Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring the god Saturn and the winter solstice. Though it was not truly Christmas, it was held in late December and many of the traditions are reminicent of our modern day holiday. During this festival the entire city would come to a stop. Schools, workplaces, and courts of law were all closed.
The Festival
The Traditions
Homes were decorated with greenery, including wreaths, and people adorned colorful clothes known as synthesis. People spent the day gambling, singing, eating, and giving each other gifts. Common gifts included wax taper candles called cerei. Some households allowed the slaves to sit at the head of the table for the day with their masters serving them. It was also common for a "king" to be chosen, usually from the slaves, to play tricks and cause mischief in the house.
Depiction of Roman men celebrating Saturnalia
Roman ยท Eastern Mediterranean, ca. 3rd-4th
https://phoenixancientart.com/work-of-art/roman-mosaic-with-a-symposium-scene/ century A.D.
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