From the gaieties and fetes which then took place arose the name of
Saturnalia, or fetes of Saturn, which lasted three, four, and five days,
and took place in December. All work was stayed, friend interchanged gifts
with friend, the preparations for war and the execution of criminals were
alike suspended, while masters waited on their slaves at table, in
remembrance of the ideas of liberty and equality, which existed in ancient
days.
Janus was represented supported by a staff, with a key in his hand, as he
was believed to be the inventor of doors and of locks. From his name came
the month of January. He worshipped at twelve altars, to represent the
twelve months; and wore occasionally four faces, as tokens of the four
seasons of the year. At Rome, in which his temple was placed, it was open
in the time of war, and shut during that of peace.
Saturn, or Time, is represented sometimes on a flying chariot, and
sometimes on a throne, under the figure of an old and bearded man, severe
in aspect, thin and yet robust, his eyes marked by a stern light; a veil on
his head, and a serpent round his waist; while in his hand he carries a
harp. In later times he is represented with a scythe.
"Unfathomable sea! whose waves are years;
Ocean of Time, whose waters of deep woe
Are brackish with the salt of human tears;
Thou shoreless flood, which in thy ebb and flow
Claspest the limits of mortality!
And sick of prey, yet howling on for more,
Vomitest wrecks on its inhospitable shore.
Treacherous in calm and terrible in storm,
Who shall put forth on thee,
Unfathomable sea?"