Magic is often associated with colors that evoke a sense of enchantment, mystery, and power. While there is no definitive color that represents magic, certain colors are commonly associated with different aspects of the supernatural and mystical. One color that is often strongly connected to magic is purple. Purple has long been associated with royalty, luxury, and spirituality. Its rich and vibrant hue is often chosen to represent the mystical and otherworldly. In many ancient cultures, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive, reserved only for royalty and high-ranking individuals.

Saturnalia

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• English Heritage - What was the Roman festival of Saturnalia?
• Ancient History Encycloepdia - Saturnalia
• Encyclopedia Romana - Saturnalia
• Ancient Origins - Saturnalia: The December Festival of Joy and Merriment in Ancient Rome

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• English Heritage - What was the Roman festival of Saturnalia?
• Ancient History Encycloepdia - Saturnalia
• Encyclopedia Romana - Saturnalia
• Ancient Origins - Saturnalia: The December Festival of Joy and Merriment in Ancient Rome

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Saturnalia, the most popular of Roman festivals. Dedicated to the Roman god Saturn, the festival’s influence continues to be felt throughout the Western world.

The Temple of Saturn, with the Temple of Vespasian (also called Temple of Vespasian and Titus; right foreground), among the ruins of the Roman Forum, Rome. (more)

Originally celebrated on December 17, Saturnalia was extended first to three and eventually to seven days. The date has been connected with the winter sowing season, which in modern Italy varies from October to January. Remarkably like the Greek Kronia, it was the liveliest festival of the year. All work and business were suspended. Slaves were given temporary freedom to say and do what they liked, and certain moral restrictions were eased. The streets were infected with a Mardi Gras madness; a mock king was chosen (Saturnalicius princeps); the seasonal greeting io Saturnalia was heard everywhere. The closing days of the Saturnalia were known as Sigillaria, because of the custom of making, toward the end of the festival, presents of candles, wax models of fruit, and waxen statuettes which were fashioned by the sigillarii or manufacturers of small figures in wax and other media. The cult statue of Saturn himself, traditionally bound at the feet with woolen bands, was untied, presumably to come out and join the fun.

The influence of the Saturnalia upon the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year has been direct. The fact that Christmas was celebrated on the birthday of the unconquered sun (dies solis invicti nati) gave the season a solar background, connected with the kalends of January (January 1, the Roman New Year) when houses were decorated with greenery and lights, and presents were given to children and the poor. Concerning the gift candles, the Romans had a story that an old prophecy bade the earliest inhabitants of Latium send heads to Hades and phota to Saturn. The ancient Latins interpreted this to mean human sacrifices, but, according to legend, Hercules advised using lights (phos means “light” or “man” according to accent) and not human heads.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Michael Ray.

Saturnalia

Saturnalia, held in mid-December, is an ancient Roman pagan festival honoring the agricultural god Saturn. Because of when the holiday occurred—near the winter solstice—Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas, such as wreaths, candles, feasting and gift-giving.

In many ancient cultures, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive, reserved only for royalty and high-ranking individuals. This rarity and exclusivity further cemented its association with magic and transcendence. Another color often connected to magic is black.

What Is Saturnalia?

Saturnalia, the most popular holiday on the ancient Roman calendar, derived from older farming-related rituals of midwinter and the winter solstice, especially the practice of offering gifts or sacrifices to the gods during the winter sowing season.

The pagan celebration of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time, began as a single day, but by the late Republic (133-31 B.C.) it had expanded to a weeklong festival beginning December 17. (On the Julian calendar, which the Romans used at the time, the winter solstice fell on December 25.)

WATCH: The Winter Solstice

Black is the color of the night, darkness, and the unknown. It is often seen as mysterious and is frequently associated with witchcraft and sorcery. Black is also the color of secrecy and hidden knowledge, adding to its connection to the magical and occult. Magic is also frequently associated with the color gold. Gold represents wealth, power, and abundance. Its shiny and lustrous appearance symbolizes the allure and opulence often associated with magic. Gold is frequently used in magical rituals and objects, such as talismans and amulets, to enhance their potency and attract good fortune. Green is another color that is commonly linked to magic. Green represents nature, growth, and fertility. It is often associated with the magic of healing, herbalism, and connection to the natural world. Green is also the color of luck and prosperity in many cultures, making it a fitting choice for magical practices involving abundance and prosperity. While these colors are often connected to magic, it is important to remember that magic is a highly subjective and personal experience. Different individuals and cultures may have their own unique associations with colors and magical practices. Ultimately, the choice of color to represent magic is a matter of personal interpretation and preference..

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