The Saturnalia

Who is the God worshipped in the Saturnalia?

Saturn

Who is Saturn?

The father of Jupiter and king of Latium

What is a pilleus/pilius?

A cap worn by a freedman during Saturnalia to symbolise equality

What is the greeting called between people during the festival?

Io Saturnalia! (Meaning Ho Saturnalia)

What is olive oil used for?

Poured into Saturn’s statue during the feast of Saturnalia

What is usually outlawed but allowed during Saturnalia?

Gambling

What did the Saturnalia celebrate?

The bounty of the harvest and the end of winter sowing

When was the Saturnalia celebrated?

On the Winter Solstice and celebrated the coming of new light, rebirth and the promise of a positive future

How long was the Saturnalia?

5 days, typically between the 17th-23rd December

When did the length of the festival change?

During the reign of Augustus, it was shortened to three days but then lengthened again after his death

What happened to the festival in the fourth century AD?

It was incorporated into the Christian celebration of Christmas

Who took part?

All levels of society, including men, women, children and slaves

What happened with equality during the festival?

Masters and slaves became equals - there are cases of masters serving their slaves food

Which temple was dedicated in the Saturnalia?

The Temple of Saturn in the Roman forum

Who were the religious officials?

The priests to the temple of Saturn

What role did the Senate have?

Paying for and organising the public sacrifice and feast

What is the programme of the Saturnalia

Unknown, but the first day involved the public and private sacrifices

Who could celebrate and why?

Everyone could take part in the festivities because the five days were a national holiday and all business was suspended

What was unusual about the sacrifice int eh Saturnalia?

The priest used the Greek style of sacrifice, including having his head uncovered

Why did the priest have his head uncovered?

It alluded to the relationship between Saturn and Cronos

What sat at the banquet table?

The statue of Saturn

Why was there a statue of Saturn?

To signify the presence of Saturn at the festival

What did people wear during the sacrifice?

Party dress - masters removed their togas and wore a pilius instead

What was a festivity during the Saturnalia?

Gift giving

What gifts were commonly given?

Many Romans have their family and friends small terracotta figurines

When were these figurines given?

On the last day of the festival

What did people hope would happen?

There would be a return to the Golden Age

What was the Golden Age?

A period when men and gods lived together in prosperity and as equals

What year was the Temple of Saturn dedicated in?

497BC

How expensive was the public sacrifice?

Extremely, since all of society had the right to participate, and often it took place over several days