Depiction / Description / Symbol: Wheat and a sickle Name of equivalent Greek God: Kronos aka Cronus Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest. Most of Saturn's moons have been named after Titans of ancient mythology.
Festivals and Sacrifices to the Roman God Saturn - Saturnalia The sowing of the next year's crop was commemorated in the ancient festival of the Saturnalia on December 17. Saturnalia is one of the most famous festivals due to the freedom and license of the slaves, the giving of presents. Saturnalia was one of the most popular Roman festivals and was marked by practical jokes and reversal of social roles such as with masters and slaves. During the festival of Saturnalia gambling was allowed for all, even slaves. Sacrifices were made at his temple during Saturnalia and a ceremony in which the untying of the ropes that bound the statue of Saturn during the rest of the year was performed. Sacrifices to Saturn - During sacrifices to the Roman gods the sex of the victim had to correspond to the sex of the god to whom it was offered. White animals were given to the gods of the upper world whereas black victims to the gods of the underworld
Roman Mythology and Information about Saturn The depictions of Saturn are not very consistent due to the confusion between him and myths about the Greek god Chronus. On one hand his reign is said to have been the golden age of innocence and purity and on the other he is described as a monster who devoured his own children. According to mythology and legend Metis (Prudence) administered a draught to Saturn which caused him to disgorge his children. Saturn was one of the Titans. His son, Jupiter, together with his brothers and sisters rebelled against their father and the other Titans. The Titans were vanquished and some were imprisoned in Tartarus. Other penalties were also inflicted, the punishment of the Titan Atlas was to bear up the heavens on his shoulders. |