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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261217T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261223T235900
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UID:6115-1797465600-1798070340@spiritartsandherbs.com
SUMMARY:Saturnalia 2026
DESCRIPTION:Saturnalia\, celebrated from December 17 – 23\, is an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honor of the God Saturn. The holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn\, in the Roman Forum\, and a public banquet\, followed by private gift-giving\, continual partying\, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms. Gambling was permitted\, and masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike. According to Justinus in Epitome of Pompeius Trogus\, “The first inhabitants of Italy were the Aborigines\, whose king\, Saturnus\, is said to have been a man of such extraordinary justice\, that no one was a slave in his reign\, or had any private property\, but all things were common to all\, and undivided\, as one estate for the use of every one; in memory of which way of life\, it has been ordered that at the Saturnalia\, slaves should everywhere sit down with their masters at the entertainments\, the rank of all being made equal”. The customs of Saturnalia are the influence for the modern customs of Christmas. When the Roman Empire came under Christian rule\, the customs were recast into the seasonal celebrations surrounding Christmas and the New Year. \nSaturnalia is a time to pay respects to\, feed\, uplift\, and celebrate those people in your life that provide service to you. To elevate them while humbling yourself\, showing your appreciation\, sacrificing your blessings through gift-giving\, and giving thanks. Those who serve you are treated to banquet usually of the kind you would enjoy\, dining side by side\, and treated as equals without threat of punishment for open expression and free speech. A common custom is selection of a “King of Saturnalia”\, who gives orders to people (which are followed) and presides over the merrymaking\, expected to be uplifting and in kind. Gifts exchanged are usually “gag” gifts\, candles\, practical gifts\, books\, food\, personal care items\, clothing\, survival tools\, pets\, toys for children\, and other useful or whimsical things. It is a holiday from all forms of work (including school and exercise). No declaration of war can be made. Bathing is early\, and there is a sacrifice and feast of pig. All attendants dress in common clothing so there is no distinction of status. \nThe actual date of Jesus’ birth is unknown. There is a correspondence between Cyril of Jerusalem and Pope Julius I (337-352 AD)\, quoted by John of Nikiu in the 9th century\, given as a source for claim that in the 4th century AD\, Pope Julius I formalized that the nativity of Christ should be celebrated on December 25th. This is around the same time as the Saturnalia celebrations\, and part of the reason why he chose this date was because he was trying to create a Christian alternative to Saturnalia. Another reason for this decision was because\, in 274 AD\, the Roman emperor Aurelian declared December 25th as the birthdate of Sol Invictus\, and Julius I thought he could attract more converts to Christianity by allowing them to continue to celebrate on the same day. But was also influenced by the idea that Jesus died on the anniversary of his conception. Because Jesus died during Passover and\, in the 3rd century AD\, Passover was celebrated on March 25th\, he assumed that Jesus’ birthday must have come 9 months later\, on December 25th…although according to his death on Passover at the time (around March 25th)\, this would indicate his birth would have been on March 25th. As a result\, modern Christians continue to celebrate traditional Saturnalia customs in association with Christmas and the surrounding holidays. \nSaturnalia is celebrated alongside\, just before\, the Yule season. Decorate an outdoor evergreen\, which symbolizes eternal life\, rebirth and renewal. They have power over death. Decorate the tree with popcorn and berries so visiting birds can feed from it. Hand make evergreen wreaths of Yew\, Holly\, Pine\, and Ivy. \nDecorate your altar or table with the colors red\, green\, gold\, white and silver\, and with bells\, holly\, mistletoe\, lights\, reindeer\, stag\, rubies\, and emeralds. The bells drive away demons that appear during this darkest time of the year. Holly captures evil spirits before they can enter the home. Mistletoe encourages fertility. Anoint red\, green and white candles\, place your emeralds and rubies around them\, then light them. Light Incense. Celebrate by candlelight\, an eternal flame within the home\, symbolizing light and warmth\, to chase away evil spirits\, and to lure back the returning sun. \nHave a feast of dried fruits\, roasted meats (pig)\, apples\, cinnamon\, nutmeg\, ginger\, peppermint\, nuts\, chestnuts\, and red cabbage. Brew pots of warm Herbal Tea. Exchange gifts. Ring in each morning with bells after everyone in the home has awakened to chase away dark days. \nWhen you’re ready to relax and restore\, enjoy a hot herbal bath and warm cup of herbal tea. \n 
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