Saturnālia

Saturnālia, in Roman religion, festival celebrated from 17 to 19 December, the most cheerful of the year, a time of enjoyment, goodwill, and licence, of present-giving and lighting candles, the prototype of some aspects of the modern Christmas festivities. The holiday began with a sacrifice at the temple of Saturn followed by a public feast open to everyone. Slaves were freed from their duties and might even be waited on by their masters. Each household chose a mock king to preside over the festivities. Not everyone enjoyed it: the Younger Pliny built himself a sound-proof room to which he retired throughout the holiday. By about the fourth century AD many of these customs were transferred to New Year's Day, and hence were added to the traditional Christmas celebrations.