Wikipedia<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\nThe Saturnalia was a large and important public festival in Rome. It involved the conventional sacrifices, a couch (lectisternium<\/i>) set out in front of the temple of Saturn and the untying of the ropes that bound the statue of Saturn during the rest of the year. Besides the public rites there were a series of holidays and customs celebrated privately. The celebrations included a school holiday, the making and giving of small presents (saturnalia et sigillaricia<\/i>) and a special market (sigillaria<\/i>). Gambling was allowed for all, even slaves; however, although it was officially condoned only during this period, one should not assume that it was rare or much remarked upon during the rest of the year. It was a time to eat, drink, and be merry. The toga was not worn, but rather the synthesis, i.e. colorful, informal \u201cdinner clothes\u201d; and the pileus (freedman\u2019s hat) was worn by everyone. Slaves were exempt from punishment, and treated their masters with disrespect. The slaves celebrated a banquet: before, with, or served by the masters. A Saturnalicius princeps was elected master of ceremonies for the proceedings. Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals which led to more tomfoolery, marked chiefly by having masters and slaves ostensibly switch places. The banquet, for example, would often be prepared by the slaves, and they would prepare their masters\u2019 dinner as well. It was license within careful boundaries; it reversed the social order without subverting it.<\/p>\n
Photo Credit: Ray-of-Sun<\/i><\/p>\n