Flavia Gemina Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 (edited) Anybody know anything about what dancing during the Saturnalia would look like? I'm envisaging loose-haired girls spilling out of taverns onto the streets with castanets and tambourines. Or youths skipping down the street wearing their colourful conical hats to the jolly tune of street musicians. People shouting 'Io Saturnalia!' and shaking dice boxes... Any other ideas? Many thanks. It's for an episode of the Roman Mysteries TV series. Flavia Edited August 3, 2007 by Flavia Gemina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docoflove1974 Posted August 3, 2007 Report Share Posted August 3, 2007 (edited) Anybody know anything about what dancing during the Saturnalia would look like? I'm envisaging loose-haired girls spilling out of taverns onto the streets with castanets and tambourines. That sounds gypsies in London. Or youths skipping down the street wearing their colourful conical hats to the jolly tune of street musicians. That sounds like a Jughead convention! People shouting 'Io Saturnalia!' and shaking dice boxes... Monte Carlo? Vegas? Actually, I just found this site, which seems to be a true academic site and not a student project (I think). It might prove useful! Edited August 3, 2007 by docoflove1974 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flavia Gemina Posted August 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2007 (edited) Thanks, Doc of Love. That site didn't have anything about dancing but it had a nice bit of info on the freedman's cap. Apparently men wore it flopping forward and women wore it flopping back! Flavia Edited August 4, 2007 by Flavia Gemina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keranadl of Graebinau Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 (edited) Salva - this is my first post - ever - to a forum so please bear with me. My understanding of Saturnalia was that the Master became the slave and vice versa. At least in the early days. Just as our All Hallows Eve has turned into a candy receiving event for children, I suppose Saturnalia underwent several iterations. My understanding of the history of dance is that castanets (or zills) were used only by professionals. There may have been bodhrun style drums, pan pipes and flutes used by the plebians. I don't have any quotes but I seem to remember reading that dancing was done indoors either at homes or in taverns. Keranadl Edited August 6, 2007 by Keranadl of Graebinau Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lost_Warrior Posted August 6, 2007 Report Share Posted August 6, 2007 My understanding of Saturnalia was that the Master became the slave and vice versa. That is exactly right; I also believe that gifts were exchanged (masters gave gifts to their slaves). As for the dancing I haven't the foggiest idea!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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