Today at the taberna I said “Io Saturnalia!” to the cashier. She said “Merry Christmas, sir” back to me. I smiled and said “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Emperor Julian has given us Saturnalia back.” She started crying tears of joy and said “Io Saturnalia” and then everyone in the taberna clapped. 😭🙌
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.
Today at the taberna I said “Io Saturnalia!” to the cashier. She said “Merry Christmas, sir” back to me. I smiled and said “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Emperor Julian has given us Saturnalia back.” She started crying tears of joy and said “Io Saturnalia” and then everyone in the taberna clapped. 😭🙌
Is this where elves come from?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia
No, elves come from Norse mythology
Xmas is a mishmash of Saturnalia and Yule with a landlord special coat of Jeebus on top.