BEYOND TOP SECRET TEXAS Broadcast by TEX
Io Saturnalia! The Phoenician origin of Christmas
Dec 22, 2023
Explore the origins and celebrations of the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia and its connection to modern-day Christmas traditions. Learn about the Phoenician origin of Christmas and the transition from human sacrifice to celebrating with light. Discover how Saturnalia festivities influenced Christmas and New Year celebrations, with drinking parties, abundance of food, and egalitarian participation. Get a guide for reconstructing Saturnalia today, incorporating holiday colors, decorations, fertility symbol cookies, and a traditional drink.
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Quick takeaways
- Saturnalia was an ancient Roman holiday celebrated in honor of the god Saturn, characterized by relaxed social norms, feasting, and merrymaking.
- Saturnalia had a significant influence on modern celebrations, including Christmas and New Year traditions, with customs such as decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and feasting being incorporated.
Deep dives
Saturnalia: A Festive Celebration of Saturn
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman holiday celebrated in honor of the god Saturn. Originally a one-day festival, it eventually grew to last a whole week, starting on December 17th. During this time, social norms were relaxed and inverted, with gambling, feasting, and merrymaking taking center stage. Slaves were allowed temporary freedom and could even attend banquets with their masters. Festive decorations of greenery, candles, and pine cones adorned homes, symbolizing the return of the sun and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Exchanging gifts was also a common tradition during Saturnalia, with small presents given to friends and loved ones. Overall, Saturnalia was a time of joy, liberation, and celebration.
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