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The holiday seasons is upon us, so let’s make some clay ornaments inspired by the Roman holiday Saturnalia, the most popular of all the Roman holidays! Make your very own clay ornament inspired by Saturnalia while learning about the history of the Roman holiday!
This craft is great for kids of all ages who love any kind of history! It can help kids develop their motor skills, creativity, and learn all about Roman history and culture. Its the perfect holiday craft for kids at home or in class room. Your Saturnalia clay ornament would make the perfect decoration or gift to a friend or family member.
Saturnalia Clay ornament craft
Come make your very own Saturnalia inspired clay ornament with just a few supplies! Since Saturnalia was a celebration of the Winter Solstice in addition to the harvest, we will be making sun shaped ornaments!
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supplies to make your own saturnalia ornament
- Air dry clay or polymer clay
- Paint
- Safety Pins
- String or Thread
Steps to make your own saturnalia Ornament
Step 1
Take some of your clay and roll it into a ball.
Step2
Break the clay ball into two halves. Roll one of them into a ball.
Step 3
Take the ball and flatten it into a disk.
Step 4
Take the excess clay and use it to add points around the disk. Pinch the clay into each other so it can blend seamlessly.
Step 5
Turn the ornament over onto the back and press a safety pin into it. Make sure that the clasp part of the safety pin is facing downwards like the image above.
Take some clay and smooth it over the clasp part of the safety pin. This makes sure the pin will not fall out or break.
Step 6
If the clay is air dry clay, let it dry. If its polymer clay, bake it according to package instructions.
Step 7
Once the ornament is done baking or drying, take your yellow paint and paint it all yellow.
Step 8
Let the paint dry. Once it’s all dry, use your orange paint and paint the points on the sun. Feel free to paint this with any design you like, get creative!
Step 9
Take your thread or string and thread it through the eye of safety pin. Then you’re all done and you can hang your ornament on your Christmas tree!
Finished clay saturnalia ornament craft
Here’s the finished craft! Isn’t it so cute? Let us know yours turned out in the comments below!
Tips to make your own saturnalia ornament
- Use a hair dryer to help the pain dry faster.
- If you’re using thread, double it over before threading it so it has a stronger hold.
Roman Celebrations: saturnalia
Saturnalia was a Roman holiday that occurred between December 17th and December 25th. The holiday celebrated Saturn, the Roman Titan god of the harvest. All work and school was closed for the entire week so the Romans could enjoy the harvest and celebrate!
Many festivities were held by the Romans, such as feasts, parties, gift giving, and even gladiator matches!
Want to learn more about Saturnalia? Check out our article on Saturnalia!
History for Kids: The Roman Holiday Saturnalia
MORE HISTORY FUN AND ACTIVITIES FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
How did your ornament turn out? Let us know in the comments!
Sources
Donald L Wasson. “Saturn.” World History Encyclopedia. www.worldhistory.org#organization, November 17, 2023. Last modified November 17, 2023. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/Saturn/.
Mark Cartwright. “Saturnalia.” World History Encyclopedia. www.worldhistory.org#organization, November 17, 2023. Last modified November 17, 2023. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/Saturnalia/.
“Saturnalia: Meaning, Festival & Christmas.” History.Com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia#temple-of-saturn-and-other-saturnalia-customs.
“Saturnalia: The Jolliest Ancient Roman Festival!” YouTube. YouTube, December 15, 2020. Last modified December 15, 2020. Accessed November 19, 2023. www.youtube.com/watch?v=id–bsV7Wv8.
Zoe Ortiz. “Religion in the Empire.” HIST 4004.00: The Roman Empire, (class lecture, University of North Texas, TX, Fall 2023).
