Every year as December 17th approaches, the streets of Rome would echo with the joyous cries of "Io Saturnalia!" A time of celebration dedicated to the god Saturn, the festival known as Saturnalia was characterized by revelry, feasting, and a brief suspension of social norms. It was a vibrant occasion marked by the killing of human sacrifices and copious amounts of wine, as friends and family gathered to honor the harvest deity.
As we delve into the pleasures of this storied holiday, let's also take a look at one of the culinary delights associated with it: Globi. Drawing from the ancient Roman text De Agri Cultura by Cato the Elder, this recipe translates into a delectable proto cheesecake bite that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit.
The festival of Saturnalia has a rich history within Roman tradition, evolving over the years in both length and activities. Initially celebrated for a single day, it eventually expanded to encompass up to seven days of unrestrained joy. The roots of this festival can be traced back to around 217 BC, during a precarious time for Rome amidst the Punic Wars. In a bid to appease the gods and reverse their fortunes, the Romans consulted sacred texts known as The Sibylline Books, leading to an overhaul of their December celebrations for Saturn.
Amongst the rituals was a public feast following the slaughtering of sacrifices in honor of Saturn. Livy’s accounts provide insight into the atmosphere at the time, portraying a carnival-like occasion filled with communal merriment and a sense of equality among participants.
A defining feature of Saturnalia was its emphasis on social equality, albeit temporary. During the festivities, social hierarchies were relaxed, allowing masters and slaves to share meals and even swap attire. Slaves were granted an unusual reprieve from the rigid norms of their daily lives, with the poet Martial observing that the festival fostered a unique camaraderie. Emancipated from their societal roles, they could express grievances and partake in gambling—activities otherwise prohibited throughout the year.
In a bid to symbolize this egalitarian spirit, both slaves and their masters would don the pileus, a conical felt cap that represented freedom. This sharing of garments and the loosening of social strictures created an air of joy that permeated every celebration.
Central to the Saturnalia feast is the delightful treat known as Globi. This ancient recipe combines cheese with grain and features a deep-fried exterior drizzled with honey, providing a taste that is richly historical yet surprisingly modern. Cato’s recipe instructs the mixing of cheese with spelt flour, which could also be substituted with other whole grain flours such as durum or emmer.
The process involves crafting small dough balls, frying them to a golden crisp, and then anointing them with honey and sprinkling poppy seeds atop. The result is a sweet, crunchy morsel, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.
As time progressed, Saturnalia's traditions underwent transformation. The gruesome element of human sacrifice was notably phased out, eventually replaced by more benign offerings like wax candles and figurines during the Empire’s reign. The holiday also saw the rise of gift-giving, wherein Romans exchanged small presents, enriching the celebratory spirit akin to modern festivities.
The Saturnalia festival, while losing some of its harsher elements, retained its core essence of joy and fellowship, enabling people to revel in the fleeting spirit of equality and camaraderie.
As we reflect on this jubilant festival captured so vividly in Roman history, the joy of participating in Saturnalia mirrors our own holiday celebrations today. The culinary delight of Globi serves not only as a savory treat but also as a connection to the past, enveloping contemporary society in the warm embrace of a time long gone.
By preparing Globi at home, we can sip wine and share laughter, embodying the very spirit of Io Saturnalia within our kitchens. So, this December, as the festival approaches, let us remember to partake in the simple joys of life while honoring the traditions of those who came before us.
Part 1/8:
Saturnalia: The Raucous Festival of Ancient Rome
Every year as December 17th approaches, the streets of Rome would echo with the joyous cries of "Io Saturnalia!" A time of celebration dedicated to the god Saturn, the festival known as Saturnalia was characterized by revelry, feasting, and a brief suspension of social norms. It was a vibrant occasion marked by the killing of human sacrifices and copious amounts of wine, as friends and family gathered to honor the harvest deity.
Part 2/8:
As we delve into the pleasures of this storied holiday, let's also take a look at one of the culinary delights associated with it: Globi. Drawing from the ancient Roman text De Agri Cultura by Cato the Elder, this recipe translates into a delectable proto cheesecake bite that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit.
The Origins and Transformations of Saturnalia
Part 3/8:
The festival of Saturnalia has a rich history within Roman tradition, evolving over the years in both length and activities. Initially celebrated for a single day, it eventually expanded to encompass up to seven days of unrestrained joy. The roots of this festival can be traced back to around 217 BC, during a precarious time for Rome amidst the Punic Wars. In a bid to appease the gods and reverse their fortunes, the Romans consulted sacred texts known as The Sibylline Books, leading to an overhaul of their December celebrations for Saturn.
Part 4/8:
Amongst the rituals was a public feast following the slaughtering of sacrifices in honor of Saturn. Livy’s accounts provide insight into the atmosphere at the time, portraying a carnival-like occasion filled with communal merriment and a sense of equality among participants.
The Theme of Equality
Part 5/8:
A defining feature of Saturnalia was its emphasis on social equality, albeit temporary. During the festivities, social hierarchies were relaxed, allowing masters and slaves to share meals and even swap attire. Slaves were granted an unusual reprieve from the rigid norms of their daily lives, with the poet Martial observing that the festival fostered a unique camaraderie. Emancipated from their societal roles, they could express grievances and partake in gambling—activities otherwise prohibited throughout the year.
In a bid to symbolize this egalitarian spirit, both slaves and their masters would don the pileus, a conical felt cap that represented freedom. This sharing of garments and the loosening of social strictures created an air of joy that permeated every celebration.
Part 6/8:
Culinary Traditions: Exploring Globi
Central to the Saturnalia feast is the delightful treat known as Globi. This ancient recipe combines cheese with grain and features a deep-fried exterior drizzled with honey, providing a taste that is richly historical yet surprisingly modern. Cato’s recipe instructs the mixing of cheese with spelt flour, which could also be substituted with other whole grain flours such as durum or emmer.
The process involves crafting small dough balls, frying them to a golden crisp, and then anointing them with honey and sprinkling poppy seeds atop. The result is a sweet, crunchy morsel, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.
Evolving Customs over Centuries
Part 7/8:
As time progressed, Saturnalia's traditions underwent transformation. The gruesome element of human sacrifice was notably phased out, eventually replaced by more benign offerings like wax candles and figurines during the Empire’s reign. The holiday also saw the rise of gift-giving, wherein Romans exchanged small presents, enriching the celebratory spirit akin to modern festivities.
The Saturnalia festival, while losing some of its harsher elements, retained its core essence of joy and fellowship, enabling people to revel in the fleeting spirit of equality and camaraderie.
Conclusion: A Taste of History
Part 8/8:
As we reflect on this jubilant festival captured so vividly in Roman history, the joy of participating in Saturnalia mirrors our own holiday celebrations today. The culinary delight of Globi serves not only as a savory treat but also as a connection to the past, enveloping contemporary society in the warm embrace of a time long gone.
By preparing Globi at home, we can sip wine and share laughter, embodying the very spirit of Io Saturnalia within our kitchens. So, this December, as the festival approaches, let us remember to partake in the simple joys of life while honoring the traditions of those who came before us.