Janus first instituted them in gratitude to Saturn, from whom he had learnt agriculture; others suppose that they were first celebrated in the year of Rome 257, after a victory obtained over the Latins by the dictator, Posthumius.  The Saturnalia were originally celebrated only for one day, but afterwards the solemnity continued for three, four, five, and at last for seven days.  The celebration was remarkable for the license which universally prevailed.  The slaves were permitted to ridicule their masters, and to speak with freedom upon any subject.  It was usual for friends to make presents one to another; all animosity ceased; no criminals were executed; schools were shut; war was never declared, but all was mirth, riot, and debauchery.  In the sacrifices the priests made their offerings with their heads uncovered,—­a custom which was never observed at other festivals.

The Divalia was a feast held on the 2lst of December, in honour of the goddess Angerona, whence it is also called Angeronalia.  On the day of this festival the pontifices performed sacrifices in the temple of Voluptia, or the goddess of joy and pleasure, who, some say, was the same with Angerona, and supposed to drive away all the sorrow and chagrin of life.

The feast of Laurentinalia was held on the 23rd of December, but was ordered to be observed twice a year by Augustus; by some supposed to be in honour of the Lares, a kind of domestic genii, or divinities, worshipped in houses, and esteemed the guardians and protectors of families, supposed to reside in chimney-corners.  Others have attributed this feast in honour of Acca Laurentia, the nurse of Romulus and Remus, and wife of Faustulus.

P.T.W.

* * * * *

CELTIC ETYMOLOGIES.

(For the Mirror.)

Hibernia.—­Ireland is called by the Latin writers, Hibernia, Ivernia—­Ierne[1]—­and Verna—­names differing but little in sound, and all, merely Latinizations of the Irish words Ibh Eirin—­that is, the Land of Erie—­for Ibh, in Irish, signifies a land, or country, and Eirin is the genitive case of Eire, the name of Ireland in the Irish tongue—­from Ibh Eirin the Romans formed Hibernia, &c. the termination only being Latin—­and from Eire, by adding land, the Saxons formed Eireland or Ireland.  This Eire was a very ancient queen who gave her name to the country, as in modern times Virginia was called after Queen Elizabeth, Maryland after the queen of Charles I., &c.

    [1] Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis Ierne.  CLAUDIAN.