[GeoStL] Re: May need the help of a SLAGA expert GeoCacher
- From: JimSGreene@xxxxxxx
- To: geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 3 Apr 2004 07:47:19 EST
Good luck!
Saturnalia (Rom., Dec. 17-23; ancient: XVI-X Kal. Jan.)
This most joyous of festivals was called "the best of days" (Catullus 14.15);
at various times in the past the festivities have lasted three, five or seven
days, during which normal business and many prohibitions are suspended. The
Saturnalia (which has much in common with the Kronia, c. Jul. 30) is preceded
by the Festival for Tellus and the Consualia and is followed by the Opalia,
Angeronalia (Dec. 21), Larentalia and Festival for Sol Invictus, resulting in a
holiday season lasting from Dec. 13 to Dec. 25 (the ancient Winter Solstice).
The festival begins with a formal sacrifice at the temple of Saturn (whose
name was derived from satus = sowing), which is conducted Graeco ritu (by Greek
rite), that is, with uncovered head. First the woolen bonds are untied from
the statue of Saturn. Next there is a festive banquet at which people dress
informally, wearing the synthesis (perhaps a light dressing-gown) and pilei
(soft
caps), which may be made out of paper (Guhl & Koner 481). At the end of the
banquet everyone shouts, "Io Saturnalia!"
At home it is a period of general relaxation, and in ancient times, the
master waited on the servants at meal times. The household chooses the
Saturnalicius Princeps (Master of the Saturnalia), the "Lord of Misrule," who
is free to
order others to do his bidding. On the last day it is common to exchange small
gifts, such as sigillaria (small pottery dolls) for the children and cerei
(candles) for adults.
Of the Saturnalia, Statius said, "Time shall not destroy that Holy Day, so
long as the hills of Latium endure and Father Tiber, while your city of Roma
and
the Capitol remain" - and indeed it has not been destroyed, only disguised.
[OCD s.vv. Saturnus, sigillaria; SFR 205-7]
A Neo-Pagan Saturnalia Ritual is available.
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