Ms. Gardner's Latin Classes Make a Dead Language Come Alive
Dec 16, 2024 | by Ildi Carlisle-Cummins
Last week, Ms. Gardner's Latin students participated in a fun annual tradition: a celebration of Saturnalia (the festival of Saturn). According to Ms. Gardner, "Saturn was associated with the mythological 'Golden Age' when humans lived in harmony with the earth and each other, and didn't need the constraints of laws. Saturnalia took place in December and was a chance for Romans to imagine a more egalitarian society by acting out role reversals, and to give thanks for a successful harvest. It is a joyful and hopeful holiday, and a chance for students to immerse themselves in learning about Ancient Roman society and religion. Fun fact: it is like the origin of many traditions of Christmas (which displaced Saturnalia when Rome became Christianized), such as evergreen wreaths, gift exchange and decorating with candles and lights."
This is one way that the incredible Ms. Gardner makes Latin come alive each year in her classes.
