(European mythology)

An ancient Italian corn god, identified by the Romans with the Greek Kronos, but having more in common with Demeter, the goddess of vegetation. Saturn was said to have derived his name from sowing; satus meant sown. His festival, the Saturnalia, took place in December and lasted seven days: our Christmas revels are its dim survival. During the Saturnalia slaves were allowed temporary liberty to do as they liked, a public banquet open to all took place in the Forum, and presents were exchanged. A mock king, or ‘Lord of Misrule’, held sway over this return to the Golden Age. It was the Roman version of the Greek Kronia, the festival belonging to Kronos, the youngest of the Titans. The planet Saturn is named after him, as also is Saturday.

A Dictionary of World Mythology. Copyright © Arthur Cotterell 1979, 1986, 2003. All rights reserved.