Brumalia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brumalia was an ancient Greek solstice festival honoring Dionysus, generally held on December 25. The festival included drinking and merriment. The name is derived from the Latin word bruma, meaning "shortest day." Now bruma does not mean shortest day, but Varro LL 6.8 (among others) etymologized bruma from brevis, short, as if bruma a brevitate dierum dicta bruma was said from the shortness of the days.

In Roman festivals, the Brumalia was a feast of Bacchus, celebrated during the space of thirty days, commencing on November 24. It was instituted by Romulus, who entertained the Senate during this time. During this feast, prophetic indications were taken of the prospects for the remaining part of the winter.

Many features of Christmas celebrations are derived from Brumalia.^{[citation needed]}