The Saturnalia are a cycle of festivities of the Roman religion dedicated to Saturn, the one who introduced agriculture and the art of civilized life. This was the season when the farm work was completed, similar to Thanksgiving for relaxing and having a good time. During the Saturnalia, business, courts and schools were closed.
This article is a guide to celebrating Saturnalia nowadays.
Steps
Step 1. Wear the holiday colors
These are blue and gold.
Step 2. Decorate the entrances, windows and stairways with greenery
You can use flower garlands or wreaths. Also use sun clippings, golden pine cones, or acorns.
Step 3. If you have trees on your property, hang symbols of the sun, stars and faces of Janus (which looks at the end of the old year and the beginning of the new one)
In ancient Rome, trees were not brought home but were decorated in the places where they were. You can also decorate plants in pots.
Step 4. You can make cookies in the shape of sun, star, moon and herd animals as a sign of fertility
You can even make your own molds if you wish! Use green and / or gold food coloring or sprinkle them.
Step 5. If you are of legal age, you can make mulsum, a drink of honey and wine
Step 6. Greet the people with the traditional greeting "I Saturnalia
".
Step 7. Invite your friends to eat and party on December 17th
Saturnalia are joyous holidays in which the Romans invited families and friends.
Step 8. Give gifts, including food, sweets, candles, or lamps
Tie a little poem to each gift. Read the poet Marco Valerio Marziale ("Xenia" and "Apophoreta") for authentic examples of the time.
Step 9. If you have a lararium make sure it is clean
Light a candle. Display a statue of Saturn, a photo or a painting.
