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December 17 - 23, Ancient Rome:

Rome was bustling with excitement as the Winter Solstice approached. Celebration and revelry filled the streets. Outside, trees were gaily decorated with the sun and star symbols, and inside, swathes of greenery were hung over doorways, windows, and festooned the costumes of people. Decorations, however, were secondary to the feasting, drinking, and merry-making that filled every house in the city, and more outside as the streets were filled to capacity. People passing each other on the streets called out a merry greeting of "io (pronounced "yo") Saturnalia!" (meaning "Ho, praise to Saturn!"). Schools and businesses were closed in recognition of the god Saturn. Gifts were exchanged as people visited friends and family. This important holy day in ancient Rome was for more than just fun and games; it was also a time to honor the god of sowing, Saturn. It was one of the most important holidays in Rome, a festival celebrating this great agricultural god. A public banquent was prepared, and an effigy of the god most likely was seated at the head of the table, in the place of honor.

This ancient festival appears similar to a holiday that is practiced today. Let's fast-forward to present-day, any city in America:

December 25, 2008 (Winter Solstice):

The entire month of December is usually a gay festive time in anywhere, America, culminating in the long-awaited, joyous time of the Christmas celebration. Fir trees, real or fake, stand in prominent places of honor in most homes, decorated with tinsel, silver, gold, and other brightly-colored bulbs. Wreaths adorn the outsides of front doors. People passing each other on the streets greet their neighbors with "Merry Christmas!" Schools and businesses are closed in recognition of the Christian god, Jesus. People visit friends and family, exchanging gifts. Great feasts are prepared and many people are giving honor in celebrating the birth day of Jesus.

These festivals are similar in nature. And, in fact, they actually are the same pagan festival, only with different names. Saturnalia is the feast in which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god, Saturn, which was held on December 17th. In fact, this holiday is still celebrated, not only in parts of Rome today, but has also been embraced by many people in this country. Over the years, the ancient Romans expanded the holiday to an entire week, lasting until December 23rd, culminating on the day of the winter solstice. In almost

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