The Saturnalia festival was an ancient Roman celebration held in honor of Saturn. Saturn's roots can be traced back to Ba'el, an older deity from the Canaanite pantheon. The syncretism observed in ancient religions often led to deities from one culture being absorbed into another under different names but with similar attributes. Thus, Saturn inherited aspects of Ba'el's character.
Ba’el & Astarte
Ba’el, though often recognized for his association with fertility, weather, rain, and agriculture, is also a death deity. He is the masculine companion of the Canaanite Goddess Astarte. Though conflated with evil through the lens of monotheistic religions, who aimed to “demonize” anything that did not fit their agenda for control over the people, neither Ba’el nor Astarte are wicked. They are the original primordial deities that pre-date religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In fact, many stories and attributes of Yahweh and Jesus in Christianity and the Christian bible, were stolen from older traditions, themes, rituals, and wisdom connected to Ba’el.
The Cycle of Death & Rebirth
The winter months that we are entering now are a part of the “death” portion of the year, making celebrations of Yule, the Winter Solstice, Saturnalia, and Christmas all closely linked with one another through themes of death and life.
Since Ba’el is a death deity and we are celebrating Ba’el and his Roman counterpart Saturn, it’s necessary to discuss the Ba’el Cycle. Many people think of death solely in conjunction with people, animals, or plants withering or ceasing to exist—but it’s more than that. Death is a part of a cycle and is woven all throughout the fabric of existence. This is reflected in what is called the “Ba’el Cycle” (or Baal Cycle). This was the journey that Ba’el took to defeat Death (with a capital D because it was a personified entity in the Canaanite pantheon), bring order to the chaos of the universe, and ultimately be rebirthed to continue the cycle. All of this was done in conjunction with his feminine companion who took on the names of Astarte, Anat, and Athirat.
Death Symbols Attributed to Ba’el and Saturn
Fertility — Fertility and birth are only possible because someone or something ceased to exist in that state prior to being birthed. This could apply to people, plants, animals, ideas, and anything else that can be creatively given life.
Weather — Weather brings rain and sun needed for living beings to thrive but it equally brings destruction, chaos, and death. Agricultural cycles are also heavily reflected on in many pagan celebrations because crops, harvest, and the like are directly linked with the changing of the seasons.
Time — In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of time and harvest. His Greek counterpart is Cronus, associated with the passage of time and cycles of life. For Ba’el, he is capable of seeing and understanding all of time and sharing these insights with his devotees. Time is yet another death and chaos-related theme because all living things on the material plane are bound by a “ticking clock” but also, time is a construct and other planes of existence operate outside of it entirely.
Discipline, Order, and Structure — Astrologically, Saturn is linked to discipline, structure, responsibility, and boundaries—an influence that shapes personal growth through challenges. Ba’el is also known for having high standards and expectations for his devotees, often urging people to not jump into his path of esoteric wisdom and occultism if they aren’t prepared for a full reset (death and rebirth, anybody?) in their lives.
Ancient Saturnalia Traditions
One of my favorite ancient Canaanite wisdom principles directly relates to the cycle of small things becoming great and vice versa. One of the ways this concept was celebrated during the festival was with social inversion of roles. For example, people in government or leadership were required to dress normal to blend in with society, children were appeased by their parents and given gifts, slaves would act as the head of the household, and so on.
Another aspect that I particularly love is that the celebration grew to be a seven-day festival, traditionally observed from December 17th to 23rd, and this is another subtle nod to the great Ba’el and Astarte of old as seven is a number sacred to them. This is reflected in the seven sacred Canaanite mysteries set in motion to bring order to the chaos of existence. This is also a fundamental aspect of what will be taught in The Mystic’s Journey program that I’m launching in January 2025.
Here are some of the highlights for how the festival was celebrated in ancient times:
- Public Feasting and Offerings: The festival began with a public offering at the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum, followed by a massive public feast that was open to everyone, emphasizing community and abundance.
- Role Reversal and Social Equality: During Saturnalia, traditional social norms were overturned. Slaves were given temporary freedom and allowed to partake in the festivities alongside their masters, often served by them, symbolizing equality.
- Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts was a central part of Saturnalia. People gave small presents like candles, figurines, or humorous gifts to friends and family as tokens of goodwill and affection.
- Wearing of Colorful Clothing: Instead of the traditional toga, participants often donned more colorful clothing called "synthesis" and wore a distinctive conical cap known as the "pileus," associated with freed slaves.
- Gambling and Games: Activities that were usually frowned upon, such as gambling, became socially acceptable during Saturnalia. Dice games were especially popular during this time.
- Festive Atmosphere: Homes were decorated with greenery, lights, and garlands. People sang songs and enjoyed a carefree atmosphere filled with laughter and merriment.
- Election of a Mock King: A common practice was electing a "King of the Saturnalia," a person chosen by lot to preside over the festivities, often dictating playful commands for revelers to follow.
Modern Christmas Rooted in Saturnalia Traditions
Long before there was a Christmas for people to insist on keeping the “christ” in it, there was the Saturn in Saturnalia. Here are some of the modern Christmas practices that were rooted in Saturnalia traditions of old.
Saturnalia Lights — During Saturnalia, people would adorn their homes with greenery and light candles to ward off the darkness of winter and to symbolize hope for the return of light and warmth. The use of light was integral to these celebrations, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The tradition of illuminating homes during this time of year eventually blended with Christmas celebrations as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire.
Saturnalia Carols — Music and song played a crucial role in Saturnalia celebrations. Revelers would sing festive tunes as part of the joyous celebrations. These songs were not specifically about Christmas or Christian themes but rather focused on themes related to nature, the changing seasons, and the general spirit of festivity that characterized Saturnalia. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, early Christians sought to replace pagan festivals with Christian ones. Over time, elements of Saturnalia were absorbed into Christmas celebrations. The practice of singing during festive times persisted, evolving into what we now recognize as Christmas carols.
Saturnalia Gifts — During Saturnalia, people exchanged small, symbolic gifts like candles, fruit, or small figurines called sigillaria. These presents were meant to bring good luck or symbolize light during the darkest time of the year. The act of gift-giving was intended to strengthen social bonds and spread goodwill.
Saturnalia Attire — During the festival, people donned brightly colored garments and exchanged gifts to signify prosperity and joy. These garments were often adorned with symbols and patterns intended to bring good fortune for the coming year. The vibrant attire worn during this festival laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into today's “ugly Christmas sweaters.”
Saturnalia Candles — One of the central elements of Saturnalia was the use of candles. These candles symbolized the quest for knowledge and truth during the dark days of winter.
Saturnalia Wreaths — During Saturnalia, Romans would decorate their homes with greenery as part of their celebrations. Wreaths made from holly, ivy, and other evergreen plants symbolized life and resilience through winter's harshness. These decorations not only brightened homes during the dark winter months but also served as offerings to Saturn. The round shape was also a symbol of the Ba’el cycle and a reminder of the death and rebirth circle of life.
Saturnalia Trees — During this time, Romans would decorate their homes with evergreen boughs as symbols of life and renewal during the bleak winter months. These evergreen decorations served as a reminder of the coming spring and were believed to ward off evil spirits.
Saturnalia Colors — Gold and silver played a significant role in this festival, symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and the sun's return as the days began to lengthen post-winter solstice. These metals were used in decorations and gifts, embodying the hope for abundance and light. Green was central to Saturnalia as well, represented by evergreen plants like holly and ivy. These plants symbolized eternal life and resilience through the harsh winter months, serving as a reminder of nature's enduring spirit. Red, meanwhile, was linked to the vitality and warmth of life. It was often used in conjunction with green to represent the life force amid the colder season.
Saturnalia Ornaments — During Saturnalia, trees and plants were adorned with round objects that acted as sun-like symbols. These round shapes were meant to represent the sun and its anticipated return, bringing light and warmth back to the world.
Celebrating Saturnalia Today
Traditional Feast — Host a feast with friends and family, featuring traditional dishes like roasted meats, vegetables, and sweet treats. Decorate your table with greenery and candles to symbolize the return of the sun. Include foods symbolic of the sun, warmth, abundance, and vitality, such as pomegranates, figs, honey cakes, roasted nuts, and mulled wines.
Gift-Giving — Embrace the spirit of generosity by exchanging small gifts with loved ones. Consider homemade or thoughtful presents that reflect the values of sharing and goodwill associated with Saturnalia. Even the gift of a red or green taper candle, as simple as that may sound, would be perfect!
Role Reversal — In the spirit of ancient Saturnalia, try role-reversal games where participants switch roles for a day. This could mean children taking on adult responsibilities (such as setting the table or something age appropriate) or bosses serving their employees in a fun and light-hearted manner. This could also be fun to experiment with between partners (wink wink).
Candle Lighting Ceremony — Honor the return of the sun by holding a candle lighting ceremony. Invite participants to share wishes or intentions for the coming year as they light their candles. This could also be expanded into a ritual where old habits or thing from the past year that you want to leave behind could be written on bay leaves or paper and burned to make room for new energy.
Decorate with Evergreen — Adorn your home with evergreen branches, cedar, holly, and ivy to symbolize eternal life and renewal, echoing ancient practices. If you have pets, be sure to research which plants and herbs are safe for your home.
Crafting Sun Symbols — Create sun symbols to decorate your home or as part of a ceremonial altar celebrating the sun’s return. Dehydrated orange slices are a super easy option, but you can also design suncatchers using wire and beads in sunny hues like amber and gold. Shape the wire into circular sun patterns and thread beads along it to create a dazzling effect when hung in windows.
Storytelling — Gather around and share myths and stories related to Saturnalia or other sun-related legends from various cultures to honor ancient traditions.
Community Service — Reflecting Saturnalia’s themes of charity and goodwill, participate in community service activities or donate to local charities as a way to give back during this festive time.
Outdoor Celebration — If weather permits, spend time outdoors appreciating the daylight. Organize a nature walk or picnic to connect with nature and celebrate longer days ahead.
Music and Dance — Play festive music and enjoy dancing together, embracing joy and merriment as was customary during ancient Saturnalian festivities.
Ritual to Welcome the Return of the Sun
Supplies:
- A small altar or a clean space outdoors
- A yellow or gold cloth
- Candles (preferably yellow or gold)
- Incense (frankincense or sandalwood)
- A bowl of water
- Fresh flowers, particularly sunflowers or marigolds
- A sun symbol or representation
- Fruits or grains as offerings
Start by grounding, cleansing, and protecting yourself. Begin at dawn to symbolize the rising sun. Set up the altar by laying the yellow or gold cloth on a flat surface. Place the sun symbol at the center.
Arrange and light the candles around the altar, focusing on creating a welcoming and warm environment.
Stand facing east, where the sun rises. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and visualize the warmth of the sun enveloping you.
Recite an invocation such as:
"Sun God, giver of life and light,
We honor your radiant energy,
We welcome your warmth and wisdom."
Place fruits or grains on the altar as offerings, symbolizing gratitude for sustenance. Add fresh flowers to enhance beauty and vibrancy.
Hold the bowl of water up to the sun, allowing its rays to touch it. Say a blessing for life-giving water, then gently pour a few drops onto the earth as a gesture of returning life back to nature.
Sit comfortably near your altar and spend a few minutes in silent meditation, focusing on personal intentions or simply basking in gratitude for the sun's energy.
Extinguish each candle with reverence, thanking the Sun God for its presence in your life. To conclude, you may choose to sing, dance, or engage in any joyful activity that honors the vitality of the sun. Then, re-protect, re-cleanse, and re-ground your energy as needed.
Keep the Saturn in Saturnalia! IO Saturnalia!
Check out our Keep the Saturn in Saturnalia t-shirts, ornaments, and more in our Holidays Collection.