Saturnalia

Saturnalia is an ancient Roman festival held in December in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture and sowing. The festival originated in the Saturnalia's early forms as a one-day observance on December 17, later expanding in the late Republic and Empire to several days, often spanning a week. It occurred during the winter solstice period and coincided with the conclusion of the harvest season.

During Saturnalia, normal social norms were relaxed: slaves and masters exchanged roles, with slaves allowed to wear the dress of free citizens, and sometimes served meals by their owners. Masters served slaves at banquets. Gambling with dice was permitted in many houses, and gift giving, often of small tokens, was common. Public games and revelry accompanied private feasting. A ceremonial "king" or Saturnalian princeps, chosen by lot, presided over the merrymaking and issued commands for the duration of the festival, often in a jocular or mock-authoritarian manner. The Phrygian cap, a symbol of liberty, was sometimes worn. The atmosphere combined humor, hospitality, and a temporary inversion of social hierarchies.

Religious rites to Saturn accompanied the festivities, and priests associated with the god performed sacrifices and rites at his temple in the Roman Forum and elsewhere. As the Empire progressed, the festival became more extravagant and inclusive, blending with other winter celebrations.

With the rise of Christianity, Saturnalia declined in official status by late antiquity, though its influence persisted in some customs later integrated into Christmas and New Year celebrations, such as feasting, gift-giving, and a festive social mood.