¿Qué son las Saturnales y cuál es su relación con la Navidad?
Antes de que la Iglesia católica celebrara la Navidad, por el nacimiento de Jesucristo, en la Antigua Roma tenían Las Saturnales
TL;DR
- Saturnalia was an ancient Roman pagan festival dedicated to agriculture and harvest, held from December 17-23.
- It honored the god Saturn and coincided with the winter solstice, a period of darkness.
- During Saturnalia, Romans celebrated, exchanged gifts, and even allowed slaves more freedom.
- The festival's date and customs likely influenced the Catholic Church's decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
- Emperor Constantine and Pope Julius I established Christmas on December 25th, possibly to coincide with Saturnalia and Sol Invictus.
- Despite some belief that Jesus was born in spring, the December 25th date became significant for Christians.
- Early Christians initially celebrated Epiphany as a more important date than Christmas.