Can anyone add to my idea of Saturnalia? Lord knows Jesus wasn't born in December. Any good ideas on how to celebrate longer days, starting this December 22nd?
2007-12-12 13:58:36 · 5 answers · asked by countsin 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I know it was a wild time -- also, I've read that the lowest peasants became kings for two weeks, while the kings were humiliated. But how do I best celebrate this ancient holiday in this day and age, other than with mulled wine and a suggestion of sex? Are there no modern rituals to express the spirit of the occasion without having a drunken orgy?
2007-12-14 14:39:15 · update #1
Look up the Rural Dionysia.....
The Greeks of Attica held five Dionysion Festivals: the Oschophoria , the Rural (or Lesser) Dionysia, the Lenaea, the Anthesteria and the City (or Greater) Dionysia. It is the Lesser Dionysia I am interested in. Held at the full moon at the end of Poseidon, the Lesser Dionysia festival was a fertility ritual related to wine and the god, Dionysos. This celebration was about the imminent birth of the god and focuses upon life and virility - and the humor to be found in both.
Like many December festivals, the Lesser Dionysia is about imminent life and joy - Dionysos brought happiness and freedom from cares and troubles. He also created civilization, peace amongst mankind, and the laws that regulate our lives. Finally, Dionysos gave us the gift of hospitality. Aside from this, he also awakens the passion in our blood and encourages us to procreate and rut.
Bawdy and crude by today's standards, the Rural Dionysia involved phallic songs, jokes, plays, costumes, foods, and statues. When the child Dionysos was destroyed by the Titans, only his penis survived - and from that sprang forth new life. Celebrations in Dionysos' name always involved phallic objects as a result.
As the link below discusses, the festivities began with a procession of the Divine Phallus, larger than life-size, the phallus towered over the men carrying it. Quite a sight to behold, especially considering its carmine state. Priests singing hymns and people bearing vegetables, cakes, new wine, and a Billy-goat followed behind. The goat was, naturally, a reference to the sexuality of the god. Goats are randy creatures, driven at times by their sex-drive, and that has always been an integral part of what Dionysos is all about. The life force and its impetus to be expressed.
The phallus was erected at the sanctuary and the offerings laid out. Sacks of new wine were laid at its base, representing testicles - for wine is the life-force of Dionysos, don't you know…be aware of what you drink next time you enjoy a nice merlot!
The cakes were sauced (another reference to the phallic aspect of this festival I think) and prayers made, before the goat was sacrificed and cooked a la Dionysos style (cut into seven pieces that are boiled in milk and then roasted over a fire). This is a reminder to us that all life contains the seed of death - even before birth.
Why not invite Dionysos into your home this season? Reawaken the heat within your blood and celebrate life in the depths of winter
2007-12-12 14:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anne Hatzakis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Saturnalia was a Pagan feast of the winter solstice.
(based on nothing more than the angle of the equator)
Since longer days signify the return of the Sun.
It was logical to celebrate the coming of Christ.
This has incorporated other pagan symbols over time:
the Tree of Life, coloured lights, giving of gifts, etc.
Everyone can understand & utilize these symbols.
2007-12-12 14:07:25 · answer #2 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
December 22 is my birthday. I celebrate Christmas, not the presents, but I do enjoy thinking about Jesus on the 25th.
2007-12-12 14:07:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-09-05 10:41:32 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one knows the exact date , I don't see why that matters anyways but I do know they base it on that huge star..ya know that one that's huge....lol.....
2007-12-12 14:08:53 · answer #5 · answered by o 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋