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 was named after the Roman god of agriculture. According to myth, Saturn introduced agriculture to his people by teaching them how to farm the land. Saturn was also the Roman god of time and this is perhaps why the slowest (in orbit around the Sun) of the five bright planets was named after him. In Roman mythology, Saturn was the father of Jupiter. Saturday is also named after the Roman god Saturn (Saturn's Day).