Duncan Royale Saturnalia King

The Saturnalia took its name from Saturn, who was the Roman god of agriculture. His ancient reign was considered a golden age for the Romans. At that time there was no crime or punishment, no laws or judges, and no need for farming. But this Golden Age did not last. Eventually the old god was deposed, but each year at the winter solstice the people relived his happy reign. During the Saturnalia no war was declared, no battles were fought, and nobody was sent to prison or otherwise punished. Also schools, law courts and markets were closed. 

A Saturnalia King was chosen by lot to preside over the eight day festival and to represent the old god. His word was law and whatever nonsensical request he made was granted. Social rank was turned upside down so that slaves became masters and masters became slaves. Centuries later, this aspect of the Saturnalia would turn up again in the person of the Lord of Misrule. 

Many of our modern Christmas customs evolved from the Saturnalia. For example, the Romans decorated their houses and temples with various evergreens such as laurel, holly and ivy; wreaths were hung and trees were decorated with small trinkets. 

One important part of the festival was the exchange of gifts. They were simple at first, such as horey, fruits, cakes, coins or clay dolls, but they slowly grew more elaborate. The Greek writer Libanius wrote of the season. “The impulse to spend seizes everyone.” One of the most important presents that people exchanged were candles, symbols of the new-born sun. Elaborate processions with singing took place, using these candles. 

Lavish holiday banquets featured such delicacies as peacock eggs in pepper sauce and people greeted each other with shouts of ‘Bona Saturnalia’, the equivalent of our ‘Merry Christmas’. It was a joyous time of good will, peace and sharing. 

Early Christians began adapting these old customs and infusing them with new meaning. Even the old god Saturn who came bearing gifts of food and wine was transformed into the new Christian gift giver of St. Nicholas. Our present day Santa Claus is descended from the old god Saturn.