Roman festivals

Question 1

When does the Lupercalia take place?

Answer 1

In February, used to be called Februata (purification)

Question 2

What was the original purpose of the Lupercalia?

Answer 2

Seems to be connected to purification and fertility of both the land and women

Question 3

What were the priests involved in the Lupercalia called?

Answer 3

Luperci

Question 4

Where did the luperci initially meet?

Answer 4

In a cave called the lupercal (possibly location of wolf suckling of Romulus and Remus)

Question 5

What animals are sacrificed at the Lupercalia

Answer 5

Goat and dog

Question 6

Why was a dog sacrifised?

Answer 6

Symbolises enemy of the wolf

Question 7

What happens with the goats blood after the sacrifice?

Answer 7

Bloodied knife is applied to their forehead, then wiped off with wool dipped in milk

Question 8

What do the luperci then do after the sacrifice?

Answer 8

Run around a set course naked whipping young women with their goat skin thongs

Question 9

Why did the young men whip the women?

Answer 9

They thought this would promote fertility

Question 10

Interpretation - What myth is connect to the Lupercalia

Answer 10

Romulus and Remus

Question 11

Interpretation - What does the name Lupercalia refer to

Answer 11

Lupus (wolf)
Lupercus (Goddess of fertility)

Question 12

What did Augustus later ban in the Lupercalia?

Answer 12

Young men running as it showed to much fun and took away from the serious aspect

Question 13

When is Saturnalia celebrated?

Answer 13

December 17 - 23

Question 14

What modern holiday is very similar to Saturnalia?

Answer 14

Christmas

Question 15

Who is Saturnalia dedicated to?

Answer 15

Saturn - ruler of the world during the ‘Golden age’

Question 16

What did the Roman poet Catullus describe Saturnalia as?

Answer 16

“The best of days”

Question 17

What are the origins of Saturnalia?

Answer 17

Saturn was the Roman god of sowing and seed - a celebration of the end of winter sowing
The festival begins at the Winter Solstice - the coming of new light and the promise of a positive future
Saturn ruled during the Golden Age - the festival celebrates a return to this level of prosperity

Question 18

Why was the festival Saturnalia considered unique?

Answer 18

All levels of society participated - men, women, children, slaves

Question 19

What did Saturnalia celebrations begin with?

Answer 19

rituals and sacrifises

Question 20

Where did the rituals and sacrifices of Saturnalia take place?

Answer 20

Temple of Saturn

Question 21

How was the festival saturnalia important?

Answer 21

Responsibility for the feast fell onto the Senate and state money was used to pay for it

Question 22

What did Saturnalia originate as?

Answer 22

a farmer’s festival for winter sowing (to mark the end of the autumn planting season in honour of Saturn)

Question 23

What are some traditional gifts of Saturnalia?

Answer 23

wax tapers, little dolls, and silver

Question 24

What is the most crucial aspect of Saturnalia?

Answer 24

Attitude and atmosphere

Question 25

What is allowed during the week of Saturnalia?

Answer 25

public gambling

Question 26

Where was the temple of Saturn?

Answer 26

In the Roman forum

Question 27

During the private feast in the home, what was unusual about the meal?

Answer 27

Slaves, masters and family members would sit and eat as equals

Question 28

How did the sacrifice at the Saturnalia differ from other Roman sacrifices?

Answer 28

The priest would take part in the sacrifice with his head uncovered