Festivals : The Saturnalia Flashcards
Who was the festival held for
The Roman God Saturn
When was the Saturnalia held
The festival began at the winter solstice approximately between 17th and 23rd of December
What did the Saturnalia celebrate
The end of the winter sowing - it celebrated the coming of new light, rebirth and a promise of a positive future
What was the Golden age
The golden age was the time where Saturn was believed to have ruled. It was a time when men and gods lived as equals
Why do we only know a little bit about the saturnalia
The festival was poorly documented. Historians know which events occurred but not the order they were in
What do we know happened on the first day of the Saturnalia
A sacrifice took place and all businesses were suspended and a national holiday was called allowing all citizens to experience the festivities
What was different about the sacrifice occurred at the saturnalia
The priest had his head uncovered. This alluded to the relationship between Saturn and Cronus
What happened after the sacrifice
A public feast was held which was paid by the state
How was the Gods presence signified at the feast
Statue of Saturn sat at the banquet. 
Who could take part in this festival
Everyone including men, woman, children and slaves
How was the equality shown on this day
Masters would remove their Togas and men would wear a small felt cap called pileus as a symbol of freedom
Which other religion incorporated this festival into their lives own
The Christians -the fir tree was adapted from the Roman tradition and a lot of other things as well such as exchanging gifts.
What was Saturn the God of
Sowing and the seed
