In the time of Ancient Rome, there existed a festival and holiday to honor the Roman God Saturn. Known as Saturnalia, this festival was celebrated in December, and it flipped Roman society upside down! Seven days of festivities would see gift-giving, a ritual sacrifice, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned the social norms of Roman society. Some people believe this festival is an ancient source for some modern-day Christmas traditions! In this post, we will discover the history of Saturnalia, learn about the Roman God Saturn, and craft a modern ritual to honor the spirit of Saturnalia.
The History Of Saturnalia
Saturnalia is an ancient Roman holiday that honors the Roman God Saturn. It was originally held on December 17th, but it was expanded to a seven-day festival by the first century BCE. In Roman mythology, Saturn is an agricultural deity who reigned over the world during the Golden Age, a time when humans enjoyed the bounty of Earth in innocence. The festivities of Saturnalia were meant to recapture that feeling, reflecting the conditions of the lost Golden Age of the past.
Though Saturnalia is a well-known Roman holiday, there is not a single source that describes the entire festival from beginning to end. Much of what we know about Saturnalia is pieced together from different sources. Two well-known sources of information include Saturnalia by Macrobius and Saturnalia by Lucian. Macrobius describes the reign of “king Saturn” as a “time of great happiness, both on account of the universal plenty that prevailed and because as yet there was no division into bond and free – as one may gather from the complete license enjoyed by slaves at the Saturnalia.” In Lucian’s writing, Chronos himself proclaims a “festive season, when ’tis lawful to be drunken, and slaves have license to revile their lords”.
Saturnalia Traditions
Saturnalia was a time of frivolity and drunkenness. The events that took place during Saturnalia showcased the spirit of freedom well. They flipped Roman social structures upside down for seven days, allowing women and enslaved people to partake in the festivities in different ways.
Gifts known as sigillaria, made of wax or pottery, were exchanged, and enslaved people were treated to a banquet fit for the slave owners. Sources differ on how this happened with some saying the slave owners served the meal while others say slave owner and enslaved person dined together.
These events included:
- a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn
- a public banquet
- private gift-giving
- continual partying
- carnival atmosphere
- gambling
- role-reversal of the Slaver-Enslaved relationship
Saturn, The Roman God Of Abundance
In ancient Roman mythology, Saturn is described as a god of abundance, wealth, agriculture, and liberation. In Roman mythology, Saturn reigned during a period known as the Golden Age of abundance and peace. This was a time before humans needed to labor for the bounty of Earth. The Golden Age of Saturn’s reign saw humans acting in innocence and enjoying Earth’s bounty peacefully and easily.
Saturn was also associated with time and the cycle of life, often depicted as an older man with a long beard and flowing white hair. He was seen as a stern and authoritative figure who demanded obedience and sacrifice from his worshippers. Despite his authoritarian tendencies, Saturn was an important figure in Roman mythology and was often worshipped as a benevolent deity who could bring prosperity and abundance to his followers. His influence can be seen in many aspects of Roman culture, from agriculture and architecture to the legal and political systems.
Modern Traditions Of Ancient Festivals
Saturnalia was such an influential festival that some of its traditions continued into modern times. We may not perform live sacrifice anymore, but we do still give gifts, engage in frivolity, and dine together as equals during this time of year. Saturnalia may have influenced the customs associated with traditions in Europe that happen in midwinter, especially customs related to Christmas, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and Epiphany.
If you are looking for modern ways to honor the spirit of Saturnalia, here are some ideas for you!
Sacrifice To Saturn
Modern sacrifices look very different from ancient ones. We no longer sacrifice humans or live animals. Instead, consider giving up your time, energy, or resources as an offering of gratitude to Saturn.
Hold A Banquet
Nothing says honoring an ancient festival like holding a banquet or throwing a party! Gather your friends and share a meal together as equals. Bring your favorite foods, drinks, and merriment as you enjoy each other’s company.
→ Explore recipes shared by the Infinite Roots Coven!
Give Meaningful Gifts
Many people around the world already partake in gift-giving during the month of December as they celebrate Christmas. Consider giving meaningful gifts during December as a way to honor the spirit of Saturnalia! In ancient times, these gifts were often handmade by the gift giver for the recipient. Consider making something meaningful and gifting it to your family or friends.
Saturnalia Ritual For Modern Pagans
Honor the spirit of Saturnalia with this ancient-inspired ritual for the holiday! This ritual was inspired by Saturnalia and created for the modern pagan. You can do this ritual on your own or with a coven, saying goodbye to the old year, honoring Saturn and your ancestors, and following the light of Saturnalia into the new year.
You Will Need:
- symbols associated with Saturn, such as coins or grain
- a yellow or white candle
- a lighter or matches
- libations, such as water or wine
- gifts or tokens, or an offering to Saturn
- a bowl
1. Set up the altar beforehand, placing the symbols of Saturn, candles, and a bowl in whatever way suits you. There is no ‘right way’ to set up the altar for this ritual as it is a modern take on an ancient festival — do what works for you!
2. Begin by welcoming the spirit of Saturnalia. Gather in a circle around the altar, or in front of it if you are alone, and close your eyes. Take three deep breaths, slowing your thoughts and centering your energy and attention.
3. Open your eyes and light the candle, saying the following:
We call upon Saturn, ancient God of sowing and time,
Guardian of cycles, keeper of seeds and seasons.
As the darkest days wane, we welcome your light,
Your spirit of renewal, joy, and reversal!
4. Spend a moment in quiet reflection on gratitude and the coming cycle. If you feel called, it is encouraged to share what you are grateful for out loud. Let yourself celebrate and be celebrated!
5. If in a group, exchange small gifts or tokens of gratitude with one another. This can be store-bought, but handmade gifts are more aligned with the ancient festival. If you are alone, give an extra offering of gratitude to Saturn — a poem, prayer, libation, or trinket works well!
6. Once the gifts and gratitude have been exchanged, it is time to raise a glass to Saturn! Pour some wine, water, or other drink in a glass and hold it high, saying the following:
To Saturn, the sower of time and harvest,
To the ancestors who walked before us,
To the cycles of death and rebirth,
May we honor the past and welcome the future.
7. When you are ready to conclude the ritual, extinguish the candle with gratitude and recite the closing words:
As the light returns, so does hope and renewal.
May the spirit of Saturnalia guide us through the dark,
And bring us light, joy, and community in the coming year!
Let the above ritual serve as a framework for your own Saturnalia-inspired feast and gathering! Feel free to adapt it, change the words, or add other activities that feel right to you.
Remember that Saturnalia is about frivolity, challenging social norms, and enjoying the company of friends! Learn from the ancient Romans and suspend societal and cultural expectations, even if just for a moment. Honor the Gods, say goodbye to the darkness, and welcome the return of the Sun!
Blessed Saturnalia!