Christmas History
What god did the Roman winter festival Saturnalia celebrate?
What is Saturn?
Tinniat
What is Jingle Bells?
Translate: Adeste Fideles, Laeti Triumphantes
What is Oh come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant?
stellae
what are stars
The Latin word that Solstice derives from (the longest or shortest day of a year
What is Sol (sun)?
Many Roman households chose a mock king for Saturnalia. What was this mock king called?
What is A. Saturnalicius Princeps?
Nix cadat
What is let it snow?
Translate: Hodie, Christus Natus Est
What is Today, Christ is born?
arbores
what are trees
A symbol of peace in Roman times, this tiny plant has a different meaning when you stand under it today.
What is Mistletoe? (war agreements were settled under it)
By the time of the late republic, how long did the festival of Saturnalia last?
What is C. A week?
O, abiem
What is O, Christmas tree?
Translate: Silens Nox, sacra nox
What is silent night, holy night?
nix
what is snow
A common Saturnalia gift.
What are Candles (because it took place on winter solstice)
What did people decorate their homes with that we still decorate with today?
What are wreaths and greenery?
Natalis Albus
What is White Christmas?
Translate: Carmina laetitiae devote reddamus
What is Songs of joy let us give back faithfully?
campanis
what are bells
The tradition that "Saturnalicius princeps" describes.
Someone would be chosen as the "king for a day" and be celebrated.
On the last day of Saturnalia, Sigillaria, what was a common gift for loved ones?
What are small terracotta figurines called signillaria
Felicem Nativitatis
What is Merry Christmas?
Translate: Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis
What is Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will?
praesaepe
what is a manger
A festival in mid December celebrating the god Saturn
What is Saturnalia?