Saturnalia

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What it celebrated:

  • end of the winter rowing (god of rowing and reeds).
  • coming of new light, rebirth, and a positive future.
  • hope of return of a ‘Golden Age’ (when Saturn was believed to have ruled). When men and gods lived together in wealth and happiness.
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The Feasts (Public) :

  • The state paid for a public feast that took part throughout the streets of Rome.
  • Large expense: all room part, lasted several days.
  • Included a statue of Saturn that would sit at the banquet to signify the god’s presence.
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The Feasts (Private) :

  • The festival promoted equality.
  • Masters would remove their togas and wear a party dress.
  • Men would wear felt caps to represent freedom.
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The Programme:

  • Took place around Chrimas time.
  • It would last for five days.
  • A sacrifice would take place on the first day when all business was suspended.
  • National holiday.
  • Slaves + masters equal.
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Miscellaneous:

  • The officials included priests of Saturn would were elected for one year.
  • Responsibility for the public feast fell to the Senate which state money payed for.
  • Unlike normal Roman sacrifices, the priest took part in the sacrifice with his head uncovered: Greek style.
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