Saturnalia

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman holiday that occurred during the winter solstice. It celebrated the return of Saturn, god of the harvest. The streets of Rome would be filled with greetings of “Bona Saturnalia.” Gifts were exchanged, and much feasting ensued.

Waynflete sixth-graders learned about Roman food, made their own Roman recipes, then “tea-ifyed” them to make them look ancient. They made ancient Roman pendants out of clay, inscribing them with their initials and favorite numbers—using Roman numerals, of course! Finally, the entire sixth grade gathered in the Drama Room dressed in togae (borrowed bedsheets, not the 30-foot long variety favored by Romans). Students wore pendants and ate Roman food to celebrate Saturnalia.