While forming an integral part of the Christian calendar, particularly in Catholic regions, many Carnival traditions resemble those antedating Christianity. Italian Carnival is sometimes thought to be derived from the ancient Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Bacchanalia. The Saturnalia, in turn, may be based on the Greek Dionysia and Oriental festivals. For the start of the Roman Saturnalia, on December 17 authorities chose an enemy of the Roman people to represent the Lord of Misrule in each community. These men and women were forced to indulge in food and physical pleasures throughout the week, horribly murdered on December 25th: "destroying the forces of darkness". COUNT 5
QSN1 Many Carnival traditions form an integral part of whose calendar? ANS1 Christian QSN2 What two ancient Roman festivals is Carnival thought to stem from? ANS2 Saturnalia and Bacchanalia QSN3 The Saturnalia is potentially based on what Greek festival? ANS3 Dionysia QSN4 On which month and day did Saturnalia start? ANS4 December 17 QSN5 What happened to the men and women chosen to represent the Lord of Misrule? ANS5 horribly murdered