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The Stop
In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was the most popular festival. Dedicated to Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture,1 the festival was the ‘liveliest’ of the year. Work and business was suspended. Slaves were temporarily given the freedom to ‘say and do what they liked,’ and there was a relaxation of certain moral restrictions. Held in mid-December, its celebrations are the source of many traditions now associated with Christmas - including wreaths, candles, feasting and the giving of gifts.2
Saturnalia - originating in older rituals in which farmers would offer gifts or sacrifices to the gods in the hope for a successful winter sowing season - originally began as a single day. However, by the period of the Late Republic (133-31 BCE), it had grown into a weeklong festival beginning on the 17th of December and ending on the winter solstice, which the Romans celebrated on the 25th. During the festival, the Romans would spend their time gambling, playing music, singing, socialising, overindulging and giving each other gifts. A common gift was the wax taper candle called a cerei, which when lit signified the returning of the light after the darkness of the solstice.
On the first day of the festival, a young pig would be publicly sacrificed at the Temple of Saturn located in the Northwest corner of the Roman Forum. The statue of Saturn in the temple was traditionally bound at the feet with woolen bands throughout the year, but these were removed during Saturnalia in order to allow the god to ‘come out and join the fun.’ For the duration of the week, the streets were filled with scenes comparable to those at Mardi Gras today, with revellers greeting each other with the seasonal greeting ‘io Saturnalia!’3 In wealthier homes, a mock king (Saturnalicius princeps) - also known as the ‘Lord of Misrule’ - was elected from the lower ranks of the household staff to rule during the festival. He was given the responsibility of ‘making mischief’ by insulting guests, wearing crazy clothing and chasing women and girls. This role ensured everyone understood it was the mock king who created the chaos of the festival, not the normal Roman government which was still well and truly in charge.
The connection of Saturnalia to Christmas cannot be overstated. As the Roman Empire continued to expand its borders throughout Europe, the invaders brought customs and traditions with which they replaced those of the peoples they conquered. Consequently, when in the 4th century CE the Western Christian churches were deliberating when to officially celebrate Christmas, the choice of the 25th of December was obvious. Not only did there not have to be another, perhaps competitive, holiday established in the Roman calendar, but Christmas would be able to piggyback on top of this Empire-wide festival. Almost overnight Christmas was everywhere in Europe, quickly absorbing many of the traditions of Saturnalia and eventually overtaking it completely.
The Detour
Today’s Detour is to a video (5.59) interview from Ceramic Review with ceramicist Stephen Murfitt who explains the processes behind his raku-fired artworks. Fascinating throughout with some beautiful pieces on show.
Masterclass with Stephen Murfitt
The Recommendation
Today’s recommendation is to Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, both book and film(s). The classic story of how the true meaning of Christmas4 (and the visit of a series of spectres) changes the parsimonious Scrooge’s heart is part of general consciousness. However, if you haven’t read or seen it in awhile you might be surprised at how different the story is from what you may remember. And if you can’t take the Victorian earnestness of the faithful versions, you can always watch either Scrooged (1988) or (still a personal favourite), The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992).
Remember: You can buy A Christmas Carol at Amazon, but you can also get it from your local new or used bookstore - or check it out from the library. And those options are better for everyone.
The various film versions stream on different platforms, but I suspect at least one will be broadcast on ‘regular’ television at some point over the next weeks.
The Sounds
Today’s playlist is composed of five tracks that have nothing to do with the upcoming holiday, but I think they’ll work as a soundtrack if you need help getting moving with the preparations: ‘Kickstart My Heart’ (Motley Crüe, 1989), ‘Hot for Teacher’ (Van Halen, 1984), ‘Thunderstruck’ (AC/DC, 1990), ‘Barracuda’ (Heart, 1977) and ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’ (Ramones, 1978). Enjoy!
The Thought
Today’s Thought is from Pablo Picasso (1881-1973):5
‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’
If you have a thought on this Thought - or any part of today’s issue - please leave a comment below:
And that’s the end of this stop - I hope you enjoyed the diversion!
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Until the next stop …
I’m fully aware of the essential nature of agriculture, but - considering how cool the ringed planet is - I must admit a little disappointment at this designation.
It’s December and, well, that holiday is fast approaching. So, in the spirit of Christmas this month’s Bus Stops are thematically related to the season. Sources for today’s Stop include Saturnalia (history.com), Saturnalia (Chicago), Saturnalia and the Romans (Bath Magazine) and Saturnalia (Britannica).
It’s a bit like ‘Merry Christmas!’ in that it’s self-referential, kind of a ‘Happy Saturnalia!’ It would have been heard throughout the celebrations, often by someone who was doing something ‘naughty.’ I, for one, have a definite image or two in my head ….
Whatever that is.
For more information on Picasso, see: Picasso (Britannica)
Bryan, you've reminded me that I've got a very battered old edition of 'A Christmas Carol' in the bookcase - I've never read it, but on the strength of your post it's now leapfrogged to the top of my reading pile. Thanks!
Blood pumping playlist!