DID THE ROMANS INVENT CHRISTMAS?
Of course they didn't invent Christmas, but similar to many facets of life in today’s western civilization, the Romans had a profound influence on the way Christians celebrate Christmas. We just can’t get away from those Roman guys, can we?
IN THE BEGINNING
The festival of Saturnalia began as a one-day farming ritual related to the end of harvest and the winter solstice. On that day, the agrarian population under Rome’s rule honored Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, and offered gifts and sacrifices to the him. The time of its origin is unknown, but Saturnalia predates the birth of Christ, and the tradition followed the Romans throughout the Roman Empire.
The celebration may have taken on the name Saturnalia when the Temple of Saturn was dedicated in Rome in around 498 BC. The anniversary of the dedication was commemorated on December 17, and is believed to be the source of many of the current Christmas traditions.
The Temple of Saturn, Rome. - Photo Credit: stefano.pellicciari/Fotolia
▼Photo Source: www.britannica.com/Saturnalia-Roman
Of course they didn't invent Christmas, but similar to many facets of life in today’s western civilization, the Romans had a profound influence on the way Christians celebrate Christmas. We just can’t get away from those Roman guys, can we?
IN THE BEGINNING
The festival of Saturnalia began as a one-day farming ritual related to the end of harvest and the winter solstice. On that day, the agrarian population under Rome’s rule honored Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, and offered gifts and sacrifices to the him. The time of its origin is unknown, but Saturnalia predates the birth of Christ, and the tradition followed the Romans throughout the Roman Empire.
The celebration may have taken on the name Saturnalia when the Temple of Saturn was dedicated in Rome in around 498 BC. The anniversary of the dedication was commemorated on December 17, and is believed to be the source of many of the current Christmas traditions.
The Temple of Saturn, Rome. - Photo Credit: stefano.pellicciari/Fotolia
▼Photo Source: www.britannica.com/Saturnalia-Roman
THE MOST POPULAR ROMAN HOLIDAY
Whenever the festival began, by 131 BC this public holiday -- a time for feasting, goodwill, and generosity to the poor and also for drinking, dancing, nudity, and general bacchanal -- had become the most popular holiday on the Roman (Julian) calendar. The gala had been expanded into a week-long event beginning December 17 and ending on December 23. The date of winter solstice on the Julian calendar was December 25.
Augustus Caesar, who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD, reduced the festivities to three days because it interfered with working days. Later, Emperor Caligula (37 to 41 AD) extended it to five days. By the 5th century the gala lasted two weeks, although different sources identify different numbers of days.
Photo source: historyextra.com/romans-celebrate-christmas/ ▼
Whenever the festival began, by 131 BC this public holiday -- a time for feasting, goodwill, and generosity to the poor and also for drinking, dancing, nudity, and general bacchanal -- had become the most popular holiday on the Roman (Julian) calendar. The gala had been expanded into a week-long event beginning December 17 and ending on December 23. The date of winter solstice on the Julian calendar was December 25.
Augustus Caesar, who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD, reduced the festivities to three days because it interfered with working days. Later, Emperor Caligula (37 to 41 AD) extended it to five days. By the 5th century the gala lasted two weeks, although different sources identify different numbers of days.
Photo source: historyextra.com/romans-celebrate-christmas/ ▼
According to Macrobius, a well-known Roman author (370-430 AD), Saturnalia represented the merging of three winter festivals over several centuries.
The Day of Saturn (Saturnalia) originally December 17;
The Festival of Opalia, goddess of abundance and fruits of the earth (who was also Saturn’s wife and sister); and
A feast day celebrating the shortest day, called Brumalia by the Romans, which coincided with the solstice.
Because Saturnalia was truly a festival of the people, not just the upper crust, there were plenty of reasons why the holiday was so popular. Some unique things occurred.
The Day of Saturn (Saturnalia) originally December 17;
The Festival of Opalia, goddess of abundance and fruits of the earth (who was also Saturn’s wife and sister); and
A feast day celebrating the shortest day, called Brumalia by the Romans, which coincided with the solstice.
Because Saturnalia was truly a festival of the people, not just the upper crust, there were plenty of reasons why the holiday was so popular. Some unique things occurred.
● Nobody worked for the entire week of Saturnalia. Courts, shops, schools, public offices were all closed and no one did business during the holiday.
● Most of the Roman’s strict rules went out the window and it was a time of role reversal in terms of the aristocracy and the common Romans, servants, and slaves. A week of "equality". The festival reflects the contradictory nature of the deity Saturn himself; joyful and carefree, but also threatening and dangerous. During this week, slaves and servants could insult the boss without repercussions. They sat at the tables for a huge banquet while their masters served them and gave them gifts.
Pilleum cap of the freed slaves.
▼ Photo source: somathread.ning.com/saturnalian-pileus
● Most of the Roman’s strict rules went out the window and it was a time of role reversal in terms of the aristocracy and the common Romans, servants, and slaves. A week of "equality". The festival reflects the contradictory nature of the deity Saturn himself; joyful and carefree, but also threatening and dangerous. During this week, slaves and servants could insult the boss without repercussions. They sat at the tables for a huge banquet while their masters served them and gave them gifts.
Pilleum cap of the freed slaves.
▼ Photo source: somathread.ning.com/saturnalian-pileus
● People would wear a cap of freedom – the pilleum – which was usually worn by slaves who had been awarded their freedom, to symbolize that they were free during the Saturnalia.
● It was the Romans’ mid-winter holiday of feasting, drinking, singing in the street naked, dancing, clapping hands, making noise, and debauchery. An orgy, so to speak. Who doesn't love an orgy?
[Actually, there were those, particularly aristocracy and scholars, who didn't love it.]
Photo source: jeremyvarner.com/saturnalia/ ▼
● It was the Romans’ mid-winter holiday of feasting, drinking, singing in the street naked, dancing, clapping hands, making noise, and debauchery. An orgy, so to speak. Who doesn't love an orgy?
[Actually, there were those, particularly aristocracy and scholars, who didn't love it.]
Photo source: jeremyvarner.com/saturnalia/ ▼
● Activities forbidden to the plebeians were permitted such as gambling in public, bobbing for corks in ice water, trivia games, chariot racing, wearing weird or colorful clothing or nothing at all, and so on.
● Even the conservatively clothed aristocracy dressed in brightly colored fabrics such as red, purple and gold. This outfit was called the synthesis, meaning they put together whatever clothes they wanted. And no togas. This was a time for relaxation. ▼
● Even the conservatively clothed aristocracy dressed in brightly colored fabrics such as red, purple and gold. This outfit was called the synthesis, meaning they put together whatever clothes they wanted. And no togas. This was a time for relaxation. ▼
 ● People would feast in their homes. According to the historian Livy, by 217 BC there was also a huge public feast at the oldest temple in Rome, the Temple of Saturn. Macrobius confirms that the rowdy participants would spill out onto the street, shouting, “Io Saturnalia!” or “Io, Io, Io!” [“Io” is pronounced like yō.] Photo source: historyextra.com/romans-celebrate-Christmas/ |  Photo Source: reason.com/happy-saturnalia-2019/ |
THE LORD OF MISRULE
A part of the festivities particularly popular in many households was the selection of a mock king. The mock king, or Saturnalicius princeps, got to run around the house for a week, giving everyone commands and a hard time. The mock king was also called The Lord of Misrule and his job was to make mischief during the week.
A part of the festivities particularly popular in many households was the selection of a mock king. The mock king, or Saturnalicius princeps, got to run around the house for a week, giving everyone commands and a hard time. The mock king was also called The Lord of Misrule and his job was to make mischief during the week.
The person who received this honor was selected by chance. A small coin was baked into a cake and whomever was served the piece of cake with the coin inside was deemed the Lord of Misrule. Once chosen, this person would:
●Insult guests!
●Wear crazy clothing!
●Chase people around the house!
●Plan scandalous party entertainment!
I found no indication that the household Lord of Misrule took his antics outside of the household. However, because of the general atmosphere, I imagine it happened often.
Photo Source: solascendans.com/lord-of-misrule/
GIFT GIVING
The Christmas tradition of giving gifts arises, in part, from Saturnalia. December 19 was the Sigillaria, the Roman day of giving gifts. Saturnalia was more about a change in attitudes rather than giving gifts.
Because the whole spirit of the celebration was generosity and equality in the eyes of God, the value of the gifts was also reversed in terms of social status. Pottery and wax figurines called sigillaria were made for this day. In truth, the gifts given were both very expensive or in the nature of gag-gifts, but the original spirit of the day was that token gifts of low intrinsic value inversely meant the giver considered the friendship as being very dear and high quality. Children received toys as gifts.
●Insult guests!
●Wear crazy clothing!
●Chase people around the house!
●Plan scandalous party entertainment!
I found no indication that the household Lord of Misrule took his antics outside of the household. However, because of the general atmosphere, I imagine it happened often.
Photo Source: solascendans.com/lord-of-misrule/
GIFT GIVING
The Christmas tradition of giving gifts arises, in part, from Saturnalia. December 19 was the Sigillaria, the Roman day of giving gifts. Saturnalia was more about a change in attitudes rather than giving gifts.
Because the whole spirit of the celebration was generosity and equality in the eyes of God, the value of the gifts was also reversed in terms of social status. Pottery and wax figurines called sigillaria were made for this day. In truth, the gifts given were both very expensive or in the nature of gag-gifts, but the original spirit of the day was that token gifts of low intrinsic value inversely meant the giver considered the friendship as being very dear and high quality. Children received toys as gifts.
Pottery & bronze figurines 3rd century BC to 1st century AD / Photo source: alison-morton.com/saturnalia
Gifts might include white candles, named cerei, which signified the increase of light after the solstice. This practice of gift giving can also be looked at like sending greeting cards.
However, December 19 was not the only time people gave gifts during Saturnalia, and in some households, guests and family members received gifts after the feast in which slaves had shared.
DECORATIONS
The colors of Saturnalia were green and gold, and the Romans decorated their homes with evergreen wreaths, garlands made of pine branches, mistletoe, and holly. Gold decorations in the traditional shapes of the sun and stars, pinecones, nuts, acorns, or animals, were added. Evergreen branches signified the continuation of life through the winter and the prospect of the coming of spring.
Gifts might include white candles, named cerei, which signified the increase of light after the solstice. This practice of gift giving can also be looked at like sending greeting cards.
However, December 19 was not the only time people gave gifts during Saturnalia, and in some households, guests and family members received gifts after the feast in which slaves had shared.
DECORATIONS
The colors of Saturnalia were green and gold, and the Romans decorated their homes with evergreen wreaths, garlands made of pine branches, mistletoe, and holly. Gold decorations in the traditional shapes of the sun and stars, pinecones, nuts, acorns, or animals, were added. Evergreen branches signified the continuation of life through the winter and the prospect of the coming of spring.
Photo source: legionarybooks.blogspot.com/saturnalia Photo Source: eaglesanddragonspublishing.com/io-saturnalia
CANDLES
The Romans had a long tradition of lighting candles (wax tapers) and torches as part of their ceremonies. Whether or not this practice derived from an old prophecy, which bade the earliest inhabitants of Latium to “send heads to Hades and to Saturn”, no one knows for sure. However, the ancient Latins interpreted this to mean human sacrifices. According to legend, Hercules suggested that the phrase meant using lights (phos means “light” or “man” according to accent) and not human heads. Apparently they accepted that mythical advice and instead lit candles to honor Saturn.
From the beginning of Christianity, fire and light serve as symbols of the divine nature and the divine presence. Christ is the true Light. Light represents the purifying presence of god. It would not be a stretch for the new Christians to adopt the idea of candles in their services, but according to Wikipedia, “There is no evidence of any ceremonial use of lights in Christian worship during its first two centuries.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_use_of_lights
HOW DID SATURNALIA BECOME CHRISTMAS?
One didn't become the other, but the process of religious syncretism blended the old pagan rituals from the celebration of Saturn with the religious beliefs of the new Christianity, resulting in a new religious tradition.
December 25 is celebrated by the Christian religions as the day Jesus Christ was born. In English, the word Christmas is derived from old English Christ Mass. The actual date of the Christ child’s birth is unknown, and many historians and theologians believe his birth more likely occurred in the spring. Some people use that fact to make strange arguments about the holiday, but that is all rhetoric.
Whether or not Christ was born on December 25, this is the date the Christian religion has chosen to celebrate the birthday. It’s similar to having your birthday party on Saturday, when your real birthday is Thursday.
CANDLES
The Romans had a long tradition of lighting candles (wax tapers) and torches as part of their ceremonies. Whether or not this practice derived from an old prophecy, which bade the earliest inhabitants of Latium to “send heads to Hades and to Saturn”, no one knows for sure. However, the ancient Latins interpreted this to mean human sacrifices. According to legend, Hercules suggested that the phrase meant using lights (phos means “light” or “man” according to accent) and not human heads. Apparently they accepted that mythical advice and instead lit candles to honor Saturn.
From the beginning of Christianity, fire and light serve as symbols of the divine nature and the divine presence. Christ is the true Light. Light represents the purifying presence of god. It would not be a stretch for the new Christians to adopt the idea of candles in their services, but according to Wikipedia, “There is no evidence of any ceremonial use of lights in Christian worship during its first two centuries.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_use_of_lights
HOW DID SATURNALIA BECOME CHRISTMAS?
One didn't become the other, but the process of religious syncretism blended the old pagan rituals from the celebration of Saturn with the religious beliefs of the new Christianity, resulting in a new religious tradition.
December 25 is celebrated by the Christian religions as the day Jesus Christ was born. In English, the word Christmas is derived from old English Christ Mass. The actual date of the Christ child’s birth is unknown, and many historians and theologians believe his birth more likely occurred in the spring. Some people use that fact to make strange arguments about the holiday, but that is all rhetoric.
Whether or not Christ was born on December 25, this is the date the Christian religion has chosen to celebrate the birthday. It’s similar to having your birthday party on Saturday, when your real birthday is Thursday.
Photo source: www.christianity.com/1st-recorded-celebration-of-christmas
During the first 300 or so years of Christianity, the Baptism of Christ, not his birth, was considered more important and was celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany. The first known celebration of Christmas on December 25 was in 336 AD during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor. At that time the day had no official status. About fifteen years later (350 AD), Pope Julius I declared December 25 as the official date of Christmas. It wasn’t until 529 AD that Emperor Justinian made Christmas a civic holiday.
December 25 obviously coincides with the pagan festival of Saturnalia. One popular interpretation is that by selecting this date, religious leaders hoped to convert the pagan masses to Christianity by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia more or less the way it had always been, as Christians. Thus, early Christmas holidays were celebrated by drinking, sexual indulgence, singing naked in the streets, a precursor of modern caroling.
Another major consideration was the “concept in Judaism that link the time of the deaths of prophets being linked to their conception or birth. From this, early ecclesiastical number-crunchers extrapolated that the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy following the Annunciation on March 25th would produce a December 25th date for the birth of Christ.” https://www.historytoday.com
Over time the celebrations took on a Christian theme and theology but maintained the same spirit as a time of year for peace on earth, equality for all, good will towards man, and generosity for all. Thus, Saturnalia eventually evolved into Christmas.
If you are Christian - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
If you are not - HAPPY HOLIDAYS and GOOD WILL and HONOR to your own religious days
Sources
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Saturnalia
https://www.naturalnavigator.com/news/2008/11/saturnalia-christmas-and-common-sense/
https://museumhack.com/saturnalia-christmas/
https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/how-did-the-romans-celebrate-christmas/
https://www.creativejeffrey.com/creative/innovative_christmas.phphttps:/www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion/Types-and-kinds-of-feasts-and-festivals
http://jeremyvarner.com/blog/2016/12/history-of-the-holidays-saturnalia/
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/did-romans-invent-christmas
https://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5uG6zaDaIM
https://theluminessence.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/a-saturnalia-ritual/
/mahttps://www.lnstar.com/mallin-areas/xmas-not-first-choice.htm
https://travelingboy.com/travel/saturnalia-history-christmas/
https://alison-morton.com/2018/12/16/saturnalia-serious-roman-festival-or-free-for-all/
https://somathread.ning.com/groups/the-shrine-of-eris/forum/the-saturnalian-pileus
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Pileus_(hat)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_use_of_lights
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturnalia-Roman-festivalhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturnalia-Roman-festival
{This site has wonderful drawings of structures in the Roman forum]
December 25 obviously coincides with the pagan festival of Saturnalia. One popular interpretation is that by selecting this date, religious leaders hoped to convert the pagan masses to Christianity by promising them that they could continue to celebrate the Saturnalia more or less the way it had always been, as Christians. Thus, early Christmas holidays were celebrated by drinking, sexual indulgence, singing naked in the streets, a precursor of modern caroling.
Another major consideration was the “concept in Judaism that link the time of the deaths of prophets being linked to their conception or birth. From this, early ecclesiastical number-crunchers extrapolated that the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy following the Annunciation on March 25th would produce a December 25th date for the birth of Christ.” https://www.historytoday.com
Over time the celebrations took on a Christian theme and theology but maintained the same spirit as a time of year for peace on earth, equality for all, good will towards man, and generosity for all. Thus, Saturnalia eventually evolved into Christmas.
If you are Christian - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
If you are not - HAPPY HOLIDAYS and GOOD WILL and HONOR to your own religious days
Sources
https://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Saturnalia
https://www.naturalnavigator.com/news/2008/11/saturnalia-christmas-and-common-sense/
https://museumhack.com/saturnalia-christmas/
https://www.historyextra.com/period/roman/how-did-the-romans-celebrate-christmas/
https://www.creativejeffrey.com/creative/innovative_christmas.phphttps:/www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion/Types-and-kinds-of-feasts-and-festivals
http://jeremyvarner.com/blog/2016/12/history-of-the-holidays-saturnalia/
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/did-romans-invent-christmas
https://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5uG6zaDaIM
https://theluminessence.wordpress.com/2017/12/19/a-saturnalia-ritual/
/mahttps://www.lnstar.com/mallin-areas/xmas-not-first-choice.htm
https://travelingboy.com/travel/saturnalia-history-christmas/
https://alison-morton.com/2018/12/16/saturnalia-serious-roman-festival-or-free-for-all/
https://somathread.ning.com/groups/the-shrine-of-eris/forum/the-saturnalian-pileus
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Pileus_(hat)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_use_of_lights
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturnalia-Roman-festivalhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Saturnalia-Roman-festival
{This site has wonderful drawings of structures in the Roman forum]
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