![]() ![]() The poet Catullus called it "the best of days". Roman Forum: Temple of Saturn Originally celebrated on December 17, Saturnalia was extended first to three and eventually to seven days. Dedicated to the Roman god Saturn, the festival’s influence continues to be felt throughout the Western world. ![]() ![]() The gifts exchanged were usually gag gifts or small figurines made of wax or pottery known as sigillaria. Saturnalia, the most popular of Roman festivals. 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. saturnalian adjective /sætnelin/ /sætrnelin/ relating to Saturnalia Definitions on the go Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app. 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. 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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