Roman life during the month of Decembres…
by Michael Lambert
December 2022
Roman life during the month of Decembres…
by Michael Lambert
August 2022
‘On this day…’ is formal. Roman society was hierarchical and deeply conservative. Religious rites were honoured by those
to whom the day mattered, such as; rites observed by the Quirinal and Esquiline communities. Saturnalia was celebrated universally. Of course, those who may have had to exchange roles, may have said, ‘Bah, humbug…’ So, shout, Io Saturnalia!
Kalendae Decembres (December 1). The first day, of the last month, of the closing year, 62 BCE was one of high drama and outrage in the old town on the Tiber
Publius Clodius Pulcher was a young irresponsible aristocrat. He had decided to attend the yearly rites of the goddess Bona Dea. Men were not permitted to attend these rites since they were the preserve of the Vestales, the Vestal Virgins. As per custom, the rites were held in a private residence hosted by the domina, the lady of the household. He wore a disguise and gained entry to the residence but was found out. Scandal resulted. There was a trial, with blatant bribery winning the day. More scandal…
‘Mad, bad and dangerous to know’, may have been his motto, if not; it should have been. Publius now embarked on a political career of ultra-radicalism supported by armed toughs, he was assassinated in 52 BCE
Nonae Decembres. (December 5). On this date in 63 BCE, the Senate closed debate concerning the Catiline conspirators. The motion before the House called for the death penalty on moral not legal grounds. Cicero is said to had declared, Vixerunt, They have lived
The Catiline debate was divisive; either the issue was one of extinction of public enemies or an unwarrantable slaughter without trial of citizens. Public opinion swung against Cicero, and he was forced into temporary exile. Cicero’s constant Catiline comment cast his consulate, ‘…not without cause but without end.’
ante diem III Idus Decembres (December 11) A small community of original citizens living on the edge of the Seven Hills celebrate Sol Indiges, an ancient sun god. The rites took place on the Quirinal Hill
Idus Decembres (December 13). The citizens of Carinae, a district to the south-west of the Esquiline Hill, annually honoured Tellus, a deity associated with agriculture. The community hosted a lectisternium, a table spread with food and drink
ante diem XVIII Kalendas Ianuarias (December 15). The Consulia honours Consus, a deity associated with the protection of
grain-storage. The ceremony includes a public sacrifice lead by the sacerdostes publici, the state priests. In addition to the rites, horse and chariot races are held. Consulia is held three times during the year, the other days are the Nonae Iuliae (July 7) and ante diem XII Kalandas Septembres (August 21)
ante diem XVI Kalendas Ianuarias (December 17). The Saturnalia festival was enthusiastically celebrated. Far-back in time,
on this date, the Saturnus temple was dedicated. He was a god of seed and sowing, associated with the Greek Kronos, father of Zeus. Saturn was the god of Italy at a time of equality and plenty. The day’s proceedings began with a sacrifice at the temple. Elites wore their togas. But, by 217 BCE the togas are gone, casual dress is worn, and the day now begins with a feast to which all comers are welcome. But all must shout, Io Saturnalia! The Law Courts and shops were closed. And, for schoolboys, No school today! Gambling was permitted and merry making and tricks reigned supreme. Presents were exchanged… What did you receive from the dominus?
Some Romans disapproved. What of the values of Romulus and Remus? The twin boys, against adversity, a shewolf suckling, the founding of this great City…? Household roles were exchanged, masters waited on servants,
masters listening to home truths. A ‘king’ was chosen by lot, faces were blackened…Shout again, Io Saturnalia!
By the end of the Republican era, the three-day festival had been extended to seven days. The rites now ended on
the ante diem X Kalendas Ianuarias (December 23) [Nota bene: The Romans used inclusive counting. Commence counting starting with this date the a.d. XVI to conclude on a.d. X.]
ante diem XIIII Kalendas Ianuarias (December 19). Opalia was celebrated at a Forum shrine. The day celebrated young men who had come of age
ante diem XII Kalendas Ianuarius (December 21). Divalia or Angeronalia, the goddess Diva Angerona, prescribed remedies,
particularly; a cure for angina. She was portrayed with sealed lips, as a warning that the secret or taboo name of Rome, used in some sequestered ceremonies, may not be said. Romans speculated Amor is Roma backwards. The day’s celebration honoured Hercules and Ceres by sacrificing a pregnant cow. Baked goods, honey, and wine were served at the rite
ante diem VIII Kalendas Ianuarias (December 25). When Caesar reformed the calendar, this day was designated the winter solstice, therefore; the date is the birthday of the Sun. By the third century CE many considered the Sun to be the true godhead, with all other gods lesser facets. For the Romans, the Sun was the guarantor of the Empire. The emperor Aurelian in 247 CE gave official recognition to the day, natalis Solis invicti, the Birth of the Unconquerable Sun