27 NOVEMBER
SAM MOORHEAD: ‘SATURNALIA’ AND THE PAGAN ORIGINS OF CHRISTMAS.
Two thousand years ago “Io Saturnalia!” rather than, “Merry Christmas” was the seasonal greeting that would have chimed out across most of Europe. The Roman mid-winter festival of misrule, has heavily influenced many Christmas traditions – including the time of year we celebrate. Sam Moorhead, Staff Lecturer in Archaeology at the British Museum, explores Saturnalia, tracing its influence on the dating of the Christian festival, and exploring the ‘pagan’ origins of festive traditions, such as gift-giving.
Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday the following months: January, February, March, April,(occasionally in May) … September, October and November.
Meetings commence at 7.30, doors open 7.15. We welcome non-members, from whom we invite a donation of £3 for each meeting.
As of September 2015, and unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at James Wolfe School, Royal Hill Campus, Greenwich SE10 8RZ.
This location is well served by public transport and is conveniently located opposite two good pubs! Bus routes 177, 180, 199 and 386 run along Greenwich High Road (at the bottom of Royal Hill). Bus routes 129, 188 and 286 serve nearby Greenwich town centre, and Greenwich Mainline Railway Station and Greenwich DLR are a short walk away.
There is free car parking after 6.30pm in the Burney Street car park (behind Greenwich Picturehouse).
Membership of GHS is open to anyone with an interest in the history of Greenwich. Annual Subscription runs from 1 January to 31 December: Individual: £15 or £18 for two persons at the same address.
If you require any further details, please contact Horatio Blood,
Hon. Secretary, GREENWICH HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
c/o Warwick Leadlay Gallery,
1-2 Nelson Arcade, Greenwich, London SE10 9JB
Email: info@warwickleadlay.com (stating GHS as the subject, please).