The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new piglet or calf that would be born during the coming year. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. They would set one end of these logs on fire. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which became known as Yule logs. Some theorists believe the early Roman Catholic Church may have chosen the same date for Christmas in order to supplant pagan rituals, though many Christian scholars dispute this. In the later Roman Empire, Mithra blended with Sol Invictus, god of the “unconquered sun.” For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. Mithra was an ancient Persian god of light. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, on December 25. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could participate in the holiday's festivities.Īlso around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome.
Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, enslaved people were given temporary freedom and treated as equals. Saturnalia, a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture, was a weeklong celebration in the days leading up to the winter solstice. Roman Holidays: Ancient Romans held several celebrations around the time of the winter solstice. READ MORE: 8 Winter Solstice Celebrations Around the World Ancient Solstice Celebrations
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