It released the pressure of the rigid social structures, as slaves were even allowed to joke around with their masters and show insolence, albeit for a short period of time. pl.) Hence: A period or occasion of general license, in which the passions or vices have riotous indulgence. ![]() Whilst it is a pleasant image to think of the slaves and masters’ power dynamics being reversed for a while, it also reinforces their roles and highlights their power dynamics as it was such a reversal for them to play at another role in society for a short while. Saturnalia Definition & Meaning in English (n. This reinforces the idea of social norms and hierarchies being suspended in the festive period, but it is also a time-limited tradition: as soon as Saturnalia is over the slaves return to work and are not allowed the luxuries afforded to them during the Saturnalia period. At some tables, the masters even served the slaves food whilst they sat at the head of the table typically reserved for the free citizens. Perhaps more peculiar is the tradition of Roman citizens wearing the pilleus, a felt-cap typically worn by freed-man and slaves who were about to be freed. During Saturnalia, businesses, courts and schools were closed. It was the season when agricultural work was completed a sort of joyous Thanksgiving-type holiday of relaxation and merriment. ![]() Saturnalia was a wild carnival, as well as a time to mark the passing of the seasons. Saturnalia is the Roman festival honoring Saturnus, who introduced agriculture and the arts of civilized life. During Saturnalia, slaves were allowed to dine and celebrate with their masters, rather than having to work. The Saturnalia was an enduring Roman festival dedicated to the agricultural god Saturn which was held between the 17th and 23rd of December each year during the winter solstice. Saturnalia was celebrated the weeks leading up to the actual solstice. ![]() Role reversal was important to the Saturnalia celebrations, and none of the traditions is more curious than the reversal of masters and slaves.
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