Saturnalia 2009

It’s been so long since I’ve written, but I feel like I’ve neglected writing about my Latin classes. So much of my students’ work over the past year has involved integrating technology into our projects and learning. But one activity that comes around each December and has barely changed over the years is our Saturnalia celebration. Saturnalia was a celebration in honor of the founding of the Roman temple of Saturn that was marked by feasting, reversal of social roles, and the giving of gifts. The Romans would have celebrated the holiday beginning on December 17 (A.D. XVI Kal. Ianuarii). We reduce our celebration to one school day. This is the culminating activity for a unit on Mythology or Roman Culture (depending on course level). Every student comes to class in Roman or Greek dress, representing a god, goddess or historic figure.  Each student has researched his/her persona and brings symbols that best represent that figure. In addition to the costumes, students bring Roman-style food and drink to celebrate the day. Although they are not required to wear their costume outside of their Latin class, many students wear there togas all day long. This year our celebration will be this Friday. It is a big undertaking to organize so many students and all of the details. I look forward to sharing pictures and stories of our celebration this year after the party is done. Io Saturnalia!

Read Full Post »