More Tales of the Saturnalia Trivia Quiz

Answer: Slaves dined at a banquet that was typically only enjoyed by their masters.

The idea of the "role reversal" was very interesting. Although it is unknown as to how it exactly worked, slaves were served a type of banquet that was usually only for their masters. Did the masters serve the slaves as shown in the picture? Or did slaves and masters simply share the meal together? While the slaves were still expected to prepare the meal, they, too, were able to enjoy it. Also during the Saturnalia, slaves were permitted free speech, and could even show disrespect to their masters without being punished.

While this might seem to be an odd practice, it was only a temporary occurrence, and did nothing to challenge social norms.

Answer: True

The ancient Romans were crazy about playing dice, and during the Saturnalia, slaves and masters played together. Usually the stakes were fairly harmless, such as nuts or low denomination coins. Overeating and drinking were also the norms at the Saturnalia, and it is said that the sober person was the exception rather than the rule.

The poet, Catullus, is quoted as calling the celebration "the best of days", and the philosopher-teacher, Seneca, wrote a letter to a friend that indicated that he was looking forward to it.

He said, "Were you here, I would willingly confer with you as to the plan of our conduct; whether we should eve (spend the evening) in our usual way, or, to avoid singularity, both take a better supper and throw off the toga". On the other hand, the author-lawyer Pliny kept a secluded suite of rooms at his estate so that "I don't hamper the games of my people and they don't hinder my work or studies".

Answer: Anything cheap or of low value

Apparently in ancient Rome, it was definitely the thought that counted! Expensive gifts would delineate the wealthy from the poor, which was opposite of the idea of equality that was practised during the celebration. The Sigillaria, or day of giving, took place on December 19. Children were given traditional gifts like wax dolls, which were reminiscent of the custom of human sacrifice! Another traditional gift was candles; the poet Marcus Valerius Martialis wrote that the cheaper the value of the gift, the higher the quality of friendship.

This also was an opportunity for the wealthy to "pay it forward" to the poor. Surprisingly, it is written that the Emperor Augustus especially favored gag gifts! There is also speculation that the first greeting cards might have been exchanged. Martialis authored a collections of poems which seem to have been written to attach to a gift.

Answer: Lord of Misrule

Usually the Master of Ceremonies was chosen from among the slaves in a wealthy household. For the duration of the Saturnalia, the "Saturnalicius princeps" was allowed to "rule" over the others; his commands were followed even if they were absurd or outrageous.

For example, if he wanted a person to dance naked, they did! It is said that the Emperor Nero especially excelled at this role. The role of the "Saturnalicius princeps" evolved into the title, "Lord of Misrule" in medieval England, while in Scotland he was the "Abbot of Unreason" and in France, the "Prince des Sots".

They presided over the "Feast of Fools", a day-long celebration, which was very similar to the Saturnalia, although held for a much shorter duration of time.

Answer: Orange

Both red and purple were important Roman colors. A red stripe on one's toga symbolized citizenship; of course, purple was historically important as a color of the wealthy. Gold was especially favored during Saturnalia as it was the color of the sun. Have you have ever wondered why gilded pine cones, fruits and nuts are sometimes found on modern Christmas greenery? Now you know! They are all symbolic of fertility, abundance, and harvest, which were celebrated during the Saturnalia.

Answer: The quest for knowledge and truth

A popular gift among ancient Romans during the Saturnalia was wax candles. Macrobius describes the lighting of the candles as a festival of light, which led to the beginning of the winter solstice. The light was not only an offering to Saturn, but also symbolic of the quest for knowledge and truth.

In addition, after Sol Invictus was made the official Roman sun god, his celebration on December 25 symbolized the renewal of light and the new year.

Answer: Etruscans

The wreath has long been a symbol of power and strength. Usually made of evergreen, which lasts through the harshest winter, in the Mediterranean region kings and emperors wore crowns of bay laurel. Wreaths were stamped on Etruscan medallions, and they were also made of natural fibers or precious metals, such as gold, into diadems and worn.

Many different plants, such as ivy, oak, and wheat, were shown. Etruscan kings wore crowns and passed the tradition on to their Roman descendants. The most famous use of the ancient wreath as a crown, of course, may be the laurel crown given to ancient winners of the Olympics. During the Saturnalia, wreaths were made of holly, the plant that was sacred to Saturn.

Answer: Hat

The pointy hat, the "pilleus", was an important symbol to the ancient Romans, as it was worn by free men. During the Saturnalia festival it was common for all men to wear it; displaying it elevated slaves to a higher status and brought masters to the same level.

It must be noted, however, that this leveling of the playing field was just a fantasy. Even if a slave gained his freedom, he would always be an ex-slave. This was just part of the "unreality" that was apparent during Saturnalia. What do you think? Does the "pilleus" look like the hat Santa wears?

Answer: Stars and shapes of animals.

Decorations during Saturnalia included stars, sun symbols, and the likeness of the two-faced god, Janus. Anything that symbolized light and the new year was very popular. It is believed the shapes of animals and babies were used as fertility symbols.

Answer: The Master of Ceremonies was killed.

Before you begin to think that being the Master of Ceremonies was a good thing during Saturnalia, you may want to think again. In the first Saturnalia celebrations apparently it was customary to kill the 'king' at the end of the festivities; this happened, of course, after he had been allowed to behave in a completely unrestrained way during the course of the holiday. Did Saturn require human sacrifice? In the third century AD it has been recorded that dead gladiators were used as offerings to Saturn toward the end of Saturnalia.

This has led historians to believe that in very ancient times, human sacrifice was expected. The best source of information about the Saturnalia, Macrobius, also makes mention of this practice.