What holiday happening in December involves exchanging gifts, feasting, playing games, and casual gambling? Saturnalia, of course. This ancient Roman holiday honors Saturn, the god of seed-sowing, and celebrates the promise of a spring harvest. During Saturnalia, a time of jovial merrymaking, many social norms were relaxed and inverted. Gambling, normally outlawed, was allowed in public. Strict Roman dress codes were also overturned. In another topsy-turvy tradition, households would appoint a mock king or "Lord of Misrule" to reign over everyone and give silly orders like telling someone to shout embarrassing insults, dance naked, or chase others around the house. So bust out your knucklebones, prepare your wine, and wrap your oil lamps. Read more about how to celebrate Saturnalia at our #linkinbio . . . 🏷: #GettyVilla #Ancient #AncientArt #Saturnalia #Roman