Christmas is a holiday celebrated across most of the world. Though mainly associated with the Christian belief that Jesus Christ was born during this time, Christmas is also observed by the secular and by those of varying religious backgrounds. Though modern interpretations of this holiday vary, many of the practices associated with the event come from older traditions. One precursor to modern celebrations of this season is Saturnalia, the ancient Roman holiday giving thanks to the god Saturn.
Though very different in a number of significant ways, Saturnalia is the foundation on which many holiday traditions are built. Taking a closer look at this festival can help to uncover exactly how it began and why many of the traditions persisted up until the modern era.
Fantastic Origins
The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful force that took over a large chunk of Europe during its existence. As new territories were “Romanized,” the traditions and beliefs of the conquered peoples would mix with the greater influence of Rome and create new systems of worship. The most obvious instance of this happening has to do with the ancient Greeks. When the Greeks were dominated by the Romans, the Greek pantheon became merged with the gods and goddesses worshiped throughout Rome. Cronus, the Greek deity of time and harvest, was assimilated by the Romans and became known as Saturn.
In addition to his role as the “god of time,” Saturn was also worshiped by the Romans as a “god of good times.” The feast of Saturnalia is the best example of the associated revelry. For several days in December, guests would attend feasts in honor of Saturn. These festivities would include copious amounts of food, drink, song, and overall debauchery. As the march of history moved Rome forward, the celebration of this holiday would change in a number of ways. The duration of the celebration would become shorter, and specific figures would be exchanged for new idols.
Christmas Is Coming
Many of the traditions started during Saturnalia carry on to this day in one way or another. The most relevant practice to come about from this time was the act of giving gifts to children. During the days of the Roman Empire, children were little more than workers and students. Very little attention was paid to children in this era, especially when compared to how much of modern society revolves around children and their rearing. Part of Saturnalia was “role reversal,” when the tables were turned and power dynamics shifted for the festivities. One “switch” to come during this time was between parents and children.
When Saturnalia rolled around, parents would shower their children with fantastic gifts. It was common for both the children and slaves of a family to receive impressive gifts from the heads of the household and even be seated first at the table. Children were allowed, if not expected, to drink as much wine as they wished and even take charge of overseeing events related to the holiday. Though times have significantly changed since then, it is easy to see how these old practices helped to set the pace for the modern custom of giving gifts to children and loved ones.
Christianity and Today
As most people know from their history classes, the people of Rome became Christianized around 300 CE. From this point on, many of the pagan traditions that had previously existed were renamed and repurposed to appease the church. Saturnalia became a bit more tame and the worship of Saturn was swapped out for the birth of Jesus, setting the stage for what is now known as Christmas.
Saturnalia is far removed from the visions people have today of the Christmas season. Still, traditions like giving presents to children might not exist had it not been for this raucous feast of life.