The Tudor Society
  • Io! Io! Io! Modern Christmas vs Roman Saturnalia

    Thank you to the University of Warwick for sending me this interesting article by Kevin Butcher, Professor of Roman History. If you’ve been watching our Tudor Society Advent Calendar videos, you’ll know that I mentioned Saturnalia in the talk I did on the Lord of Misrule tradition.

    Whilst we celebrate Christmas, over 2000 years ago the ancient Romans were busy with their own winter festival; Saturnalia. Over-eating, drinking, singing, gift-giving, pranks, singing stark naked and theatrics were all associated with the festival, which was the most popular holiday of the year. Kevin Butcher, Professor of Roman history at the University of Warwick, says that the 25th December was also celebrated by Romans.

    Partying, pantomime, feasting and gift-giving are all established traditions of the Christmas season. At the same time of the year over 2000 years ago, Romans had the very same customs in celebration of a different festival – Saturnalia.

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