Sacrifice Flashcards
What is the principle of a sacrifice?
A person honoured the gods by giving up something valuable for them. It was a way for a person to either thank that immortal for any benefits received in his life or to ask for help in the future.
Why did sacrifices happen outside?
So blood could flow away, the smoke could blow away and so there was more space for all the participants.
How was an animal chosen to sacrifice?
If the sacrificer owned livestock then he would use one of his flock; otherwise he would purchase a suitable animal from the local market, trying to find an animal free from any blemishes in order to please the god.
What did the expense of the animal vary on?
The importance of the occasion.
Once the animal had been purchased what happened?
Ribbons were put on the animals and its horns were painted gold. The animal was then led to the sanctuary for the sacrifice.
If animals went willingly what was that seen as?
A good omen.
What did participants do before the sacrifice?
All washed themselves thoroughly and put on garlands. A maiden carried a basket full of barley grains in which she hid a knife.
What music was playing throughout the ceremony?
A flute player.
What did the priest then do to the animal?
Poured water on its head, causing it to nod. The priest then said a prayer of offering, took the knife and approached the victim.
If the animal nodded what was that seen as?
The animal consenting to the sacrifice.
What did another participant do allowing the priest to do what?
A participant stunned the animal by hitting it at the back of its head with a club. The priest then cut the animals throat.
What was done with the blood of the animal?
It was collected in a bowl and poured on the top and the sides of the altar.
What happened to the meat?
It was burned and treated three ways. Thighbones were cut off, wrapped in fat and burned at the altar. Entrails of the animals were cut out and inspected for the omens. The rest of the meat was then bridled and shared out among the participants.
What was said to happen to the smoke?
It was said to rise to the heavens and nourish the gods.
Why was this a special occasion?
It was one of the only times when ancient Greeks ate meat, so it was a real feat and a chance for the community to come together.
For an Olympian sacrifice what were the traditions?
Took place in the day, priest wore a whitewollen band around his head, and a white victim was usually sacrificed. Once the victims throat had been cut, its head would be lifted up to the sky and when saying the prayer the priest would raise his hands to the sky.
What were the traditions of a chthonic sacrifice.
The colour associated was black and the priest wore a black woollen band around his head. A black animal was usually sacrificed after sunset over a pit rather than an altar. When uttering the prayer the priest would point his hand to the ground and lower the head of the victim once the throat had been cut. The animal would then be burnt entirely and no part would be eaten.
What could also be left for the gods?
Sacrificial cakes made from grain and fruit, bountiful harvest or food.
What was a libation?
An offering of a liquid.
What were the two types of libations?
Choe and sponde.
What was a sponde?
Poured to the Olympian gods and was an offering of wine, water, milk or even honey. Poured carefully onto the ground.
What was a choe?
Poured to chthonic begins and the liquid was tipped into the earth in one go.
When were libations poured?
Beginning of a symposium, to try and ensure the behaviour didn’t become to wild. Spondai were also poured for sailors embarking upon a voyage or for soldiers setting out to battle. Whenever two people made truces with one another, they lured libations.
