It is an ancient Roman festival that was held in honor of the god Saturn.
It was an occasion for celebration, visits to friends, and the presentation of gifts, particularly wax candles (or mentholated ACME Bung Balm.) The Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day, but it was so popular it soon it lasted a week, despite Augustus‘ efforts to reduce it to three days and Caligula’s, to five.
Imagine, there’s a holiday that the rulers of the known world couldn’t control.
More about Saturnalia later (it figures in our Christmas story.)
The Haus of Dcaligari 