How Do You Spell SATURNALIA?

Pronunciation: [sˌatənˈe͡ɪli͡ə] (IPA)

Saturnalia is a festive celebration that originated in ancient Rome, held in honor of the god Saturn. The word's spelling is straightforward: each letter has its clear phoneme. The first syllable is pronounced /sæt/, as in the word "cat," followed by /ʌr/ for the second syllable, found in "cur." Lastly, the word ends with /neɪljə/, where the first sound is like "nay," the second is the vowel "i," and the third is "lyuh," as in "liaison." Together, the phonetic transcription becomes /sæt.ˌɜr.ˈneɪ.li.ə/.

SATURNALIA Meaning and Definition

1. Saturnalia is a noun referring to a famous ancient Roman festival celebrated in honor of the god Saturn. This festival was characterized by unrestrained revelry, merrymaking, and the suspension of social norms and hierarchies. Saturnalia typically took place in December, lasting for seven days, and was widely regarded as one of the liveliest and most joyous festivals in Rome.

   During Saturnalia, the traditional order of society was overturned, with slaves being allowed temporary freedom and treated as equals by their masters. People would engage in feasting, drinking, and exchanging gifts, while indulging in outrageous behavior such as excessive gambling, sexual promiscuity, and wild partying.

   Symbolizing a time of freedom, abundance, and renewal, Saturnalia was seen as a means to appease the god Saturn, who was associated with agriculture and fertility. It was believed that by allowing individuals to experience a complete reversal of their usual roles and responsibilities, Saturnalia promoted harmony and balance in society.

   Today, the term "Saturnalia" is often used metaphorically to describe any excessive or disorderly celebration or revelry, irrespective of its origins or time of the year. It signifies a period of uninhibited enjoyment, where normal rules do not apply, and people indulge in uninhibited pleasure and fun.

2. In anc. Rome, the annual festival of Saturn-a period of unrestrained enjoyment for all classes, even slaves.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SATURNALIA

• saturnaila
• aaturnalia
• zaturnalia
• xaturnalia
• daturnalia
• eaturnalia
• waturnalia
• szturnalia
• ssturnalia
• swturnalia
• sqturnalia
• sarurnalia
• saturnnalia
• saturnallia
• saternalia
• saturnilia
• saturnalain
• Saturnila
• sturnalgia
• Saturneian
• Saturnallin
• Saturnulian
• Saturinalia
• Satiralia
• Saturania

Etymology of SATURNALIA

The word "Saturnalia" originates from ancient Rome. It is derived from the Latin word "Saturnus", which refers to the Roman god Saturn. The festival of Saturnalia was dedicated to Saturn and was celebrated annually in late December. During this festival, the Romans indulged in feasting, merriment, gift-giving, and various forms of revelry. The term "Saturnalia" has been adopted into various languages to refer to periods of merry-making, festivities, or disorderly behavior.

Similar spelling words for SATURNALIA

• saturnia,
• saturnine,
• saturniidae,
• saturnism,
• sturnella,
• Saturnina,
• saturniid.

Plural form of SATURNALIA is SATURNALIAS