Saturnalia (copy)

What does the Saturnalia celebrate (origins)?

• honour the God Saturn

• ending of winter sowing

• coming of new light, rebirth, promise of a positive future

• hope for a return of a Golden age

Who could participate?

all levels of society took part

• men

• women

• children

• slaves

When was the Saturnalia?

• 17th -23rd December

• during Augustus’ reign it was only 3 days

Who were the officials of it?

• the Priests for the temple of Saturn were the religious officials

• the Senate held responsibility for the public feast

What happened during the festival?

This period was a national holiday

• feasts (private + public)

  Public - last several days, through the streets of Rome, included statue of Saturn

  Private - slaves & masters were equal

• gambling

• theatre

• giving gifts

Describe what made the sacrifice special?

The priest did the sacrifice without his head covered