Saturnalia was an ancient Roman pagan festival celebrated in mid-December in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. Timed near the winter solstice, the festival influenced many traditions that later became associated with Christmas, including wreaths, candlelight, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. Saturnalia was the most widely celebrated festival on the ancient Roman calendar, rooted in earlier agricultural rites connected to midwinter and the winter solstice. These tra
