The poet Catullus called it "the best of days". The gifts exchanged were usually gag gifts or small figurines made of wax or pottery known as sigillaria.
A common custom was the election of a "King of the Saturnalia", who gave orders to people, which were followed and presided over the merrymaking.
Saturnalia definition license#
Antiq) The festival of Saturn, celebrated in December, originally during one day, but afterward during seven days, as a period of unrestrained license and merriment for all classes, extending even to the slaves. The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms: gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike. Hence: A period or occasion of general license, in which the passions or vices have riotous indulgence. Saturnalia is an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honour of the god Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December.
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