During Saturnalia, these bonds were loosened to represent Saturn's liberation. In some temples, an ivory statue of Saturn was portrayed with linen or woolen bonds around the feet and ankles. It held theological importance for some Romans, who saw it as a restoration of the ancient Golden Age, when the world was ruled by Saturn. The Saturnalia is the most popular holiday of the Roman year. According to early legends, Saturn himself was sacrificed, so in some areas, mock sacrifices of the god took place.
Saturnalia was the Roman equivalent to the earlier Greek holiday of Kronia, which was celebrated during the Attic month of Hekatombaion in late midsummer. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December.
The poet Catullus called it "the best of days". The gifts exchanged were usually gag gifts or small figurines made of wax or pottery known as sigillaria. activities: ritual sacrifice, theatrical performances, games, and feasts. A common custom was the election of a "King of the Saturnalia", who would give orders to people, which were to be followed and preside over the merrymaking. The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms: gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honour of the god Saturn, held on 17 December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to 23 December.
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