History of the Roman festival of Saturnalia, with treatment of the celebration and its influence on Christmas.

Aug 24, 2023 · From the Roman Saturnalia festival to the Norse Yule, Christmas borrowed a great many things from the pagan festivals that came before it. Read more about the pagan origins of Christmas.

Saturnalia may have influenced some of the customs associated with later celebrations in western Europe occurring in midwinter, particularly traditions associated with Christmas, the Feast of the Holy …

Dec 5, 2017 · Saturnalia, the most popular holiday on the ancient Roman calendar, derived from older farming-related rituals of midwinter and the winter solstice, especially the practice of offering gifts or...

Nov 19, 2025 · The modern claim that Christmas comes from Saturnalia is a historical myth, not a documented fact. The evidence clearly shows that Christmas did not originate from Saturnalia.

4 days ago · The Saturnalia celebrated Saturn Saturn is an old figure in Roman religion. Equated with the Greek god Kronos, he originally ruled over the area around Rome in a so-called peaceful ‘Golden …

Dec 7, 2025 · Explore the origins of Saturnalia, Roman traditions, and their potential influence on Christmas. Historical sources, dates, and key differences explained. Feasting, gift-giving, and candle …

Discover the meaning of Saturnalia, the ancient Roman festival of reversal, revelry, and returning light. Learn the pagan origins that helped shape Christmas traditions.

Dec 17, 2025 · Saturnalia has often been perceived as a carnival of decadence and debauchery, and was held from the 17 to the 23 December to pay tribute to Saturn, the God of agriculture, fertility and …

2 days ago · While Christian writers are not explicit about the methods they used to calculate the birth of Jesus, none of these writers relate Christmas to Saturnalia.