Around year zero, Romans were still celebrating Saturnalia, which was a two week party celebrating Saturn, which started on the shortest day of the year.
Today is the shortest day of the year.
For years, my children and I celebrated Saturnalia, where we each opened one gift. I always made certain that the children's gift was one that would keep them busy for the next five days.
I explained about the shortest day of the year and the Romans. But I did not bother to explain anything else. Eventually, the children did their own historical research and taught me things that I did not know about Saturnalia.
One year, the children went to Miami for Christmas, and the kids and I held Christmas and Saturnalia on the same day.
All ancient cultures celebrated the sun coming back. When children learn history they learn that all people used to be 'pagan'.
Frankly, I started the Saturnalia thing so I could spread out the present giving. I think we give so much to the children that they can not appreciate the gifts.
Anyway, Happy Saturnalia to you all!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment