Death and Burial, 1.7, Greek Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the order of the 5 steps of death?
Dead people eat boiled rice
Death, prothesis, ekphora, burial, remember
What happened once a person died?
Their eyes and mouth were closed; they were washed, perfumed and wrapped in a white shroud; put a coin on the mouth
Definition of prothesis
During the preparation of the body in the Greek world, the deceased would be laid out for two days to receive mourners
Definition of lament
A passionate expression of grief or sorrow
What was placed outside the house? Why?
A bowl of water to remove pollution
How did the women show their lament?
Cut air, dress in shabby black clothing, wail beside deceased, beat chests, flail arms
Definition of ekphora
The funeral procession in ancient Greece
When does the ekphora take place? Where from and to?
Before dawn on the third day from the house of the dead to the burial ground.
What was the deceased carried on in the ekphora? Who took part in the procession?
Depending on wealth, wagon or pallbearers. Women, children, and men from family, and autos player
Definition of Kerameikos
An area of Athens that included the main burial ground outside the city.
Where are the dead buried? Why?
Kerameikos, outside city so no pollution inside, and to prevent diseases.
How would a body be cremated?
A pyre was built and the deceased laid on top, then lit. Ash would be collected in an urn and given to family. This was placed in a shrine or grave. Burial gifts were added to the grave. A stele may be set up for the deceased depending on wealth.
Why were stelai important?
So the deceased wasn’t forgotten, and didn’t dishonour the family
What happened after the dead was buried or cremated?
A sacrifice. Blood of victim was released on earth as offering to Hades and Persephone
How long was the mourning period after the burial?
Thirty days
When were the family obliged to visit the deceased in the mourning period?
Third, ninth, and thirteenth day, then annually
When did Anthesteria take place? How long did it last?
Late January. Three days.
What did Anthesteria celebrate, and who was it in honour of?
Maturing of wine, Dionysus
What happened during the first day of the Anthesteria?
The dead rose from underworld and roamed earth. Wine from last year was opened and poured libations to Dionysus.
What happened during the second day of the Anthesteria?
Groups had drinking contests. Families pour libations on the graves of their ancestors.
What happened during the third day of the Anthesteria?
Families of dead made offerings to Hermes as he and Dionysus are only gods able to go between underworld and over world.
Definition of Anthesteria
A Greek festival to Dionysus and the dead held over three days in late January or early Februrary
Definition of Genesia
A Greek festival to the dead ancestors celebrated in late September
How many days was Genesia? What did people do?
One day. Decorate graves of the deceased with ribbons; offer food and blood sacrifices to their dead ancestors.
