Are we Romans?
HOW THE ROMANS CELEBRATED SATURNALIA
During Saturnalia, work and business came to a halt. Schools and courts of law closed, and the normal social patterns were suspended.
People decorated their homes with wreaths and other greenery, and shed their traditional togas in favor of colorful clothes known as synthesis. Even slaves did not have to work during Saturnalia, but were allowed to participate in the festivities; in some cases, they sat at the head of the table while their masters served them.
Instead of working, Romans spent Saturnalia gambling, singing, playing music, feasting, socializing and giving each other gifts. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice.
On the last day of Saturnalia celebrations, known as the Sigillaria, many Romans gave their friends and loved ones small terracotta figurines known as signillaria, which may have referred back to older celebrations involving human sacrifice.
Saturnalia was by far the jolliest Roman holiday; the Roman poet Catullus famously described it as “the best of times.” So riotous were the festivities that the Roman author Pliny reportedly built a soundproof room so that he could work during the raucous celebrations. (End Quote from History.com)
What was Saturnalia became Christmas as the early church gained more influence in the world. Adoption of those things which were important in the gospel of Luke chapter 2 diverted the focus from a pagan festival to a Christian celebration. The birth of Christ became a central point of the holiday.
The birth of Christ was not celebrated by the church in any form until 336 A.D. It did not become an official holiday in America until 1870. That is a long span of time and during those years many evolutions of the church occurred. Some might even say revolutions. Our focus should be drawn now to the comparison of the Roman Saturnalia to our present situation. Reading those things which the Romans did in celebration bears a striking resemblance to how much of the world celebrates Christmas today.
The only thing important is what is in our hearts, Christ.