Io Saturnalia!

We think of Christmas as a very Christian festival, but many of its associated rituals and practices come from a much more Pagan time and it is no coincidence that the birth of Christ is celebrated very close to the Winter Solstice. As we charge into the usual orgy of gift-giving and feasting that has come to symbolize the holidays, I want to take a moment to reflect upon one origin for these activities. Check out my posting at Veni, Vidi, Legi about Saturnalia.