Imperial sources refer to a Saturnalicius princeps who ruled as master of ceremonies for the proceedings. In many countries it was a habit to declare the one who found the bean or coin in a bread or cake to the King of that day. On December 13, 2019 December 13, 2019 By Wyrd Designs In Northern Tradition Musings Leave a comment. 9. It was a time when the ordinary rules were turned upside down. Each household would elect a King of Chaos or King of Misrule to preside over the festivities. Io, Saturnalia! One of the revelries was The Saturnalia, a week-long festival celebrating the Romans' favorite agricultural god, Saturn. Men dressed as women … On the last day, small gifts were given to family and friends. Ave, Caesar! Saturnalia (17-23 December) Ave, Caesar! King of the Saturnalia. Catullus referred to Saturnalia as “the best of days”. Originally, this celebration was held annually for a day on the 17th of December, but the festival was so popular that it was extended to a week (December 17-23). 10.
It was a day of reconciliation and equality. A common refrain being Christ is the reason for the season. (1880) by Lawrence Alma-Tadema, with the Praetorian Guard hailing Claudius (veiling himself in a curtain) as the new emperor after the assassination of Caligula. The celebration of Christmas on December 25, just after Saturnalia, began in … These were often small terracotta figures, known as signillaria, or tapered wax candles. Today when we hear people talk about the so-called war on Christmas, it is a battlecry of Christians who feel they have a monopoly on the winter holidays. In France, England and Switzerland the ' King of the Saturnalia ' still lived on for a long time under the name of ' King of the Misrule’. Io, Saturnalia!, Lawrence Alma-Tadema.
Saturnalia was a festival celebrated by the ancient Romans. Polytheism is the Reason for the Season. Saturnalia was the annual oldest and most popular Roman festival. Saturnalia ran for seven days from the 17th of December. Tag: King of Saturnalia. The “King of Saturnalia” was elected, and it was their duty to order people around during the festivities, often playing tricks on guests. From December 17 until December 23, tomfoolery and pagan hijinks ensued, and by hijinks we mean gluttonous feasting, drunkenness, gambling and public nudity. At the time, the running of all economic activity was suspended, and the slaves celebrated with free people.