women and religion - The Thesmophoria (ATH) Flashcards
what took place, why Demeter and Persephone were important
what was the thesmophoria
a greek annual festival held exclusively for married women
was held in the autumn and honoured Demeter - goddess of agriculture, fertility, motherhood and harvest
the primary function of the festival was so the harvest went right the next year
what happens over the three days of celebration
1 - worshippers set up temporary shelters near Pnyx - women symbolically taking over city
2 - worshippers would fast, sit on the ground and cover themselves in ashes - ritual act of mourning (Demeter losing Persephone)
3 - worshippers would pray for blessings related to fertility - children, families, harvest
significance of piglets
they would be cast down into a chasm
–> piglets were Persephone going down into the underworld
decomposed remains are retrieved during the festival
–> piglets represent Persephone coming back up from the underworld
the remains would be sprinkled with corn seeds onto an altar and onto the fields for good harvest
