1. Saturnalia Customs
By: Lee Morin

2. How Long did the Celebration Last?
Saturnalia was a 7 day celebration that began on December 17th and ended on December 23rd.

3. Opening Festivities Public Banquet at the Temple of Saturn
The statue of Saturn was released from his ties to the temple.

4. Social Rules All business suspended
Criminals were not convicted and wars were not started
Complete Pleasure took over

5. Household Customs
Each household would have a king of ceremonies to preside over the parties and celebrations.
Slaves would be served by the masters.

6. How to Pass the Time??
The seven day holiday would be spent playing games, gambling, eating and drinking.

7. Gifts!! Gifts were exchanged during the Saturnalia
Typical gifts were pottery figures (sigilla) and wax candles
Gifts were purchased in the markets on the closing days of Saturnalia.

8. Resources http://roman-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/saturnalia