Saturnalia << `sat` uhr NAY lee uh >> was an ancient Roman festival that honored Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Saturnalia began on December 17. The festival lasted two days at first, but eventually it was extended to a week.
The Saturnalia may have originated as a thanksgiving celebration to commemorate the winter planting. However, it later lost its agricultural significance and became a time of general merriment. Even slaves were given temporary freedom to do as they pleased. The Saturnalia featured feasting, visiting, and gift giving. The most popular gifts of this festival were wax candles and small clay figurines.
The festival resembled celebrations in other parts of the ancient world that took place during December. Some features of Saturnalia may have influenced the way that people celebrate Christmas today.
