This day was the Festival
of Dionysius in Greece and was celebrated in Rome until it was banned by
government edict. The parties tended to get wild and out of hand. Dionysius
(Bacchus), the god of wine, was the son of Zeus and Semele. As wine was
considered to have medicinal and cultural value, Dionysius was viewed as
a promoter of civilization, a lawgiver, and a lover of peace..