When:
🗓️ December 17
Where:
Ancient Rome
Since:
❓
Several millennia ago the ancient Romans celebrated a winter solstice festival that was known to be the most wonderful time of the year.
The Saturnalia were several days of festivities held in the honor of Saturn, god of wealth, agriculture and several other things related to the concept of plenty.
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Slaves and servants dined lavishly served by their masters and everyone joined in on gambling games that were seen as taboo in the rest of the year.
December 19 was the day that gifts were exchanged.
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Most gifts were festive candles or just lighthearted gag gifts, but exorbitant gifts, given with show and fanfare, were not exactly an exception among the richer participants.
#Saturnalia