About
Saturnalia honoured Saturn and was, as the poet Catullus put it, the best of days. It began with a sacrifice and public banquet at the temple of Saturn, and then Rome gave itself over to feasting, gambling, gift giving and the turning upside down of ordinary order. Enslaved people were served by their masters, and a mock king was chosen to preside over the fun.
Customs
- Exchanging gifts, especially candles and small pottery figures (sigillaria)
- Wearing the pileus, the cap of freedom, and casual dress
- Choosing a mock king to lead the revels
- Feasting, games and gambling with nuts
- Greeting one another with Io Saturnalia
Food
- Honeyed dates
- Roast pork or vegetables
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Spiced wine or grape juice
- Recipe: Saturnalia honeyed dates 15 minutes
A simple ritual
- Light a candle safely and greet Saturn with Io Saturnalia.
- Give a small gift, such as a candle, to someone you love.
- Share a meal, and let the youngest or least important person at the table be king for the evening.
- Play a game together and set worries aside for the night.
- Put out the candle and wish everyone a good year.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.
Who is honoured
- Saturn King of the golden age and lord of the harvest