IO, SATURNALIA!
November 26, 2024
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honouring Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, and celebrated the promise of a spring harvest.
Originally held on 17 December and lasting just one day, the festivities grew over the centuries to last a whole week by the 1st century BC. The holiday began with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum, followed by a public banquet open to all. Law courts and businesses were closed so everyone could take part.
Originally held on 17 December and lasting just one day, the festivities grew over the centuries to last a whole week by the 1st century BC. The holiday began with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum, followed by a public banquet open to all. Law courts and businesses were closed so everyone could take part.
"Who can sing of the spectacle, the unrestrained mirth, the banqueting, the unbought feast, the lavish streams of wine? Ah! now I faint, and drunken with thy liquor drag myself at last to sleep." Statius, Silvae I.6.98ff
AN ATTIC RED-FIGURE TREFOIL OINOCHOE
Circa 460 BC
Height: 18.2 cm
Circa 460 BC
Height: 18.2 cm
The festival was characterised by a carnival atmosphere that overturned many Roman social norms. Gambling for example was permitted, and slaves were allowed to attend. The holiday was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike.
"During my week the serious is barred; no business allowed. Drinking, noise and games and dice, appointing of kings and feasting of slaves, singing naked, clapping of frenzied hands, an occasional ducking of corked faces in icy water—such are the functions over which I preside." Lucian, Saturnalia 1.2
A PAIR OF BYZANTINE GOLD EARRINGS
Circa 6th - 8th century AD
Length: 3.5 cm (excluding the pendants)
Circa 6th - 8th century AD
Length: 3.5 cm (excluding the pendants)
On the 23 December, at the end of Saturnalia, the Romans celebrated Sigillaria. This was the gift-giving day of the festival, when just as we do today, the ancient Romans would wake with joyful anticipation or a pang of dread. The poet Martial wrote about the many possible gifts given during Saturnalia - fattened pigs, incense, turtledoves, glass cups, ivory knucklebones, lamps, and clay statuettes, to name a few. In one epigram he teases his friend who had ‘re-gifted’ him with all the presents he had received from others:
"Umber, you sent me all the presents that the five days had brought you: a dozen three-page writing-tablets and seven toothpicks; these were accompanied by a sponge, a napkin, a cup, four quarts of beans and Picenian olives, and a black flask of Spanish grape juice. How much easier it would have been, without any effort, for a boy to have brought me five pounds of silver!"
Martial, Epigrams VII. 53
A ROMAN BANDED AGATE INTAGLIO OF DIANA, SET IN AN ANTIQUE GOLD RING
Circa 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Length of intaglio: 1.7 cm; Ring size UK: M
Circa 1st century BC - 1st century AD
Length of intaglio: 1.7 cm; Ring size UK: M
Gold rings are also included on Martial’s gift list, and such rings had special meaning in ancient Rome. During the Republic, only senators, magistrates, and knights were permitted to wear gold rings. However, by the early Imperial period customs changed and members of the higher classes could gift a gold ring to a freeborn citizen, raising him to the rank of knight (eques). During the festival a gold ring would make a fitting gift.
A ROMAN GOLD RING
Circa 3rd century AD
Ring size UK: Q (approximate)
Circa 3rd century AD
Ring size UK: Q (approximate)
Saturnalia was undoubtedly the most popular holiday in the Roman calendar. Described by Catullus as ‘the best of days’, it was celebrated well into late antiquity. With the rise of Christianity, the pagan holiday was removed from official calendars but carried on as a popular secular holiday. Many of Saturnalia’s traditions, which celebrate the hope of harvest and a bright future during the dark winter, were incorporated into western celebrations of Christmas and the New Year.
We have curated a selection of holiday gift ideas to make shopping hopefully a little easier this year. Please do call or email us if you have any questions or queries about any of the artworks featured, info@kallosgallery.com +44 (0)20 7493 0806.
The last day for collection or shipping before the holidays is Wednesday 18th December.
Wishing you and yours a very happy festive season ahead! Io Saturnalia!
Maddy, Beth and Hayley
We have curated a selection of holiday gift ideas to make shopping hopefully a little easier this year. Please do call or email us if you have any questions or queries about any of the artworks featured, info@kallosgallery.com +44 (0)20 7493 0806.
The last day for collection or shipping before the holidays is Wednesday 18th December.
Wishing you and yours a very happy festive season ahead! Io Saturnalia!
Maddy, Beth and Hayley