Saturnalia Flashcards
who was Saturn
the ~roman version of Cronos (father of Zeus)
what did Saturnalia celebrate?
- as saturn was the Roman god of dowing and the seed, the festival celebrated the end of the winter sowing
- the festival began at the winter Solstice and celebated the coming of new light, rebirth, and promise of a positive future
- saturn was believed ot have ruled the earth during the golden age, in a time when both mena nd gods lived together in prosperity as equals. The festival brought hope of a golden age. The saturnalia was considered unique among festivals because all levels of society took part, including men, women, children, and slaves
from when to when was the festival? (at its longest) - S
17th - 23rd December
Why was the Saturnalia shortened and when?
it was shortened under the reign of Augustus (28BC and 14AD) to 3 days and then extended to 5.
How popular was Saturnalia?
very popular - even encoporated in Chirstmas today
was the Saturnalia well documented?
no
what was dedicated during the Saturnalia?
The temple of Saturn in the roman forum
how were religious officials selected?
they were selected for a year. Therefore, this was an actual option for many leading romans
who did the responsibility of the public feast fall on?
the senate, who used state money to pay for it
what do we know about the programme of the Sturnalia?
little as there is little information about it. IT was the most important and popular festival.
the sacrifice definitely took place on the first day
All business was suspended from the first day and it was declaered a national holifay. This meant that the whole city could take part in it
what was so unique about the Saturnalia?
everyone, men women and children could take part
what was one thing you could do , that you woudl definitely not be able to do otherwise in Saturnalia?
gamble
what was special about the sacrifice in the Saturnalia?
it was in a Greek style e.g., the priest that took part in it would have his head uncovered. There is no doubt this. alluded to the relationship betwqeen saturn and Cronus, the Greek father of Zeus
what was something special the feast woudl involve?
the statue of Saturn that would sit at the banquet table to signify the god’s presence at the festival
explain the private aspect of the Saturnalia
there was a private feast. It promoted equality, meaning slaves and masters were equal for the duration.
TO support this, masters woudl remove their togas and they woulf all wear a party dress. Additionally, men woudl wear the small felt cap called a Pileus as a system of freedom
what is a Pileus?
a felt cap
what did they do in Saturnalia in the private feast? (something new and fun)
gift giving e.g., wax candles, doll like clay figures (to children), dice, combs, etc
+ sigilia (figurines made from pottery)
what is Saturn the god of?
sowing the seed
what was the ‘golden age’?
a time when both men and gods lived together in properity as equals
