The Christmas we know today is an offspring of Ancient Rome’s pagan Winter Solstice Festivities. Saturnalia came about to praise the sun god Saturn so he would give new life to the sun in return. This is why it became known as the festival of light.

The festival was nostalgic in its nature as it emulated the Golden Age of Kronus (Saturn). It was a time of bliss when men of their own accord, without threat of punishment, without laws, maintained good faith and did what was right… The earth itself, without compulsion, untouched by the plow produced all things spontaneously… It was a season of everlasting spring.

In light of this the celebrations were marked with the revolutionary abandonment of all societal constraints. All the courts were closed for one week, no one could be punished, gambling permitted, and no business allowed, no war, no work. Slaves were emancipated and in Ancient Rome the Pileus hat was worn by all to symbolise freedom and equality (inspiration for the hat and headdresses theme).

The Lord of Misrule was appointed making ridicule of the emperor who would encourage indulgence and freedom with naked dancing in the streets, feasts where slaves sat side by side with their masters, gift-giving to slaves, speakers corners, outlandish colorful clothes, orgies, games, gambling and hilarity.