It was also a time for gift giving-candles and oil lamps were common gifts and used to light the nighttime celebrations. At the very least, all Romans, enslaved and free, would dine together. According to some sources, on one day of the festival, enslaved people could trade places with their masters and be waited on. The normal social order was overturned, gambling (normally restricted) was allowed and dress codes were loosened. Families and friends gathered to drink, eat, and be merry. Businesses, schools, and law courts were closed.
Saturnalia celebrated the hope of a spring harvest and started with a religious ceremony in the Temple of Saturn followed by a public banquet. Timed to coincide with the winter solstice, there may be some similarities with Scandinavian traditions, but Saturnalia had its origins in ancient Italy and shared some customs with ancient Greek festivals. Some Saturnalia traditions, like gift-giving, hanging garlands, and lighting candles, likely were absorbed into the celebration of Christmas. The holiday lasted seven days, starting December 17. Romans were getting ready for Saturnalia! Buying gifts and stocking up on wine and food. What were ancient Romans doing around this time of the year? Is it true that Roman Saturnalia traditions were inspired by Scandinavia? Check out their answers below to find out all the foods, gifts, and customs you might find if you showed up to a Greek or Roman party. We asked you to share what questions you have about ancient holidays on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages then we turned them over to Judith Barr and Nicole Budrovich, curatorial assistants at the Getty Museum. With the holiday season upon us, we wanted to know more about how ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated special occasions. Then again, ancient customs like animal sacrifices probably haven’t been on your party agenda. And they sure took advantage! Modern party-goers would feel right at home among many Greek and Roman party traditions, like drinking wine, enjoying cake, and giving gifts.
Saturnalia traditions how to#
If the ancient Greeks and Romans were still around today, we might say they “know how to party.” With dozens of gods and goddesses to celebrate, plus birthdays and other religious holidays like Saturnalia, the Greeks and Romans had many opportunities for revelry and merrymaking throughout the year. Digital image courtesy of Getty’s Open Content Program A Roman Feast, late 19th century, Roberto Bompiani.
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