Saturnalia dates 20216/29/2023 ![]() In the fourth century, Pope Julius 1 assigned December 25 as the day to celebrate the Mass of Christ’s birth –Christ’s mass. Sound familiar?Īll the similarities between Saturnalia and these other Roman holidays and the celebration of Christmas are no coincidence. It was the wheel of the chariot of Odin bringing the sun –another dead god being revived– back to life.Ĭandles. In northern Europe, the solstice was celebrated with the burning of the “Yule” log. By the way, the symbol of Attis was a pine tree. Attis dies but is brought back to life by his lover, a goddess whose temple later became the site of an important basilica honoring the Virgin Mary. The birth of Attis, another agricultural god from Asia Minor, was also celebrated on December 25. Mithra, a Persian god of light who was first popular among Roman soldiers, acquired a large cult in ancient Rome. The Romans were big on adopting the gods of the people they conquered. Two other important pagan gods popular in ancient Rome were also celebrated around this date. Later it was changed to honor the official Roman Sun god known as Sol Invictus (“Unconquered Sun”) and the solstice fell on December 25. Even slaves were given temporary freedom to do as they pleased, while the Romans feasted, visited one another, lit candles and gave gifts. The Saturnalia began on December 17th and while it only lasted two days at first, it was eventually extended into a weeklong period that lost its agricultural significance and simply became a time of general merriment. In ancient times, a popular Roman festival celebrated Saturnalia, a Thanksgiving-like holiday marking the winter solstice and honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture. If a bright light just went off in your head, you’re getting warm. How then did we settle on December 25 and all those festive lights? ![]() Here’s the real first Christmas question: Why all the fuss over December 25?įor starters, the Gospels never mention a precise date or even a season for the birth of Jesus. ![]() So ’tis a perfect day to talk about the real “reason for the season.” The 2021 Winter Solstice arrives on December 21 at 10:59 am EST.
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