Because morphine is regularly prescribed in hospices for relief of pain and suffering, physicians and nurses come to rely on its power to relieve pain and promote a death without suffering. A death with symptoms well-managed is one important aspect of what is called a death with dignity..
The Sigillaria - held on the 23 December - was a day of present-giving in ancient Rome. During the Saturnalia, wax tapers and torches were lit - in a similar way to our advent candles. Over-eating, gambling, drinking, singing and sharing witty tales were all part of Saturnalia celebrations.
Saturn is a god in ancient Roman religion, and a character in myth as a god of generation, dissolution, plenty, wealth, agriculture, periodic renewal and liberation. In later developments, he also came to be a god of time. His reign was depicted as a Golden Age of plenty and peace. The Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum housed the state treasury. In December, he was celebrated at what is perhaps the most famous of the Roman festivals, the Saturnalia, a time of feasting, role reversals, free spe