Finally, although Haloea was one of the most talked-about Greek festivals, very few accurate records of the specific characteristics and rituals of the celebrations have survived or were written-most likely because it was a festival predominantly for women to participate in. The influence of Dionysus and the importance of wine to Greek cult activity really contributed to who was considered the primary god while celebrations and sacrifices ensued. The Greeks thought that Haloea was sacred to Poseidon, but even more so to Dionysus. The women at the festival made cakes together and expressed themselves more freely than they were allowed to during other times of the year since men were not very involved in the celebrations. Like Saturnalia, there were animal sacrifices, offerings, and banquets. Attendance was very integral to the fabric of Greek society at the time. Although the celebrations varied depending on the region of Greece, authors recorded that they were all consistent in enthusiasm and participation. An interesting fact about this festival is that all women were expected to attend this event, but men were excluded however, the men had to pay for the women’s expenses during the holiday’s festivities. This celebration took place annually after the first harvest was over. Image credit: Saturnalia (1793) Antoine Callet/Wikipedia.Ī significant festival that took place in the winter in Ancient Greece was called Haloa, or Haloea. A BANQUET HELD DURING the celebrations of Saturnalia. When the Roman Empire ultimately came under Christian rule, many of Saturnalia’s traditions morphed into some of the seasonal celebrations associated with Christmas and the New Year. Saturnalia remained a popular holiday into the 4th century A.D. Special wax figures and toys were made especially for this day so that monetary value and status would not have a role in the gift-giving.
There was also a specific day set aside for gift giving called Sigillaria. This is probably the most well-known part of the holiday-countless famous authors, poets, and historians have discussed it in detail (like Horace, Catullus, and Pliny). Additionally, slaves were even able to disrespect their “superiors” without fear of punishment from them. During Saturnalia, slaves were permitted to dine with their masters, since everyone was considered equal for the few days that the festival lasted. Another significant aspect of Saturnalia was the temporary reversal of the common social hierarchy. This practice changed later on as the festival developed, but this specific tradition went back to Saturn’s lesser known connection with the underworld. Typically, these were animal sacrifices, but, it is also said that Saturn additionally received gladiators killed in fights or games as offerings. At this temple, people celebrated by dedicating various sacrifices and offerings to the god. The holiday was mostly held in the Roman Forum, specifically at the Temple of Saturn. A god known for his sense of justice and character, Saturn decreed that there were to be no slaves under his rule, or even private property– all people were entirely equal and had the same opportunities.
#Eager saturnalia free#
Saturn was said to have ruled the world during the Golden Age, which was a time when humans walked the earth free of work obligations in a state of innocence. As the name suggests, this holiday celebrated the god Saturn (or, in Latin, “Saturnus”), who, in the Roman tradition, was the deity of sowing and agriculture. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival held in mid to late December.
A DEPICTION OF A SATURNALIAN offering in Ancient Rome.
But how long have holidays and festivals played a role in society? Looking back two thousand years ago, we can see how popular celebrations contributed to both civic enthusiasm and engagement in places like Rome and Ancient Greece. Celebrating these types of holidays, seems to be quite an integral part ofsome people’s culture and a way to wrap up the calendar year. The months of November and December are typicallyconsidered to be the height of the “holiday season,” as people eagerly await popular holidays such as Thanksgiving,Chanukah, and Christmas.
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