Demons, Fools and Jesters of the European Carnival

Professor Antonio Scuderi will present his findings from research on the European carnival at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 in Baldwin Hall 176 (the Little Theatre).

Various aspects of European culture may have their origins in this primordial Indo-European rite of passage. “Carnival,” a fertility rite with many faces, inclduding the Roman Saturnalia, was so prevalent in ancient Europe that it made itself felt in the traditional Christian calendar and generated a host of cultural traditions and iconic symbols.