Saturnalia, Roman Empire

Four major Roman festivals were held in December, including the Saturnalia which celebrated the returning Sun-god. Saturnalia (from the god Saturn) was the name the Romans gave to their holiday marking the Winter Solstice and many of our Christmas customs derive from it.

Saturn was a Roman cognate of the Greek god Chronos (Time). He devoured all his children except Jupiter (air), Neptune (water), and Pluto (the underworld, or grave). These time cannot consume. He carries a sickle, like the Grim Reaper, and we know him in our day as Father Time ...

Tagged: christmas, folklore, customs, ancient+rome, mythology, roman+mythology