The Thesmophoria Flashcards
where would women set up temporary shelters on day 1 of the festival
near the Pnyx (a hill on which the athenian assembly met)
why was the location of their shelters significant
because the women were symbolically taking over the city
what would be sacrificed on day 1 of the festival
piglets were sacrificed and buried in a ritual and the remains of piglets from the previous year would be dug up
what ritual was performed on day 2 of the festival
worshippers would feast for this day and sit on the ground covering themselves in ashes
why was the ritual of covering themselves in ashes performed
it was an act of morning, reincarnating Demeter’s grief at the loss of Persephone
what happened to the piglet remains on day 2 of the festival
they were placed on the altar, mixed with pine branches and cakes shaped as serpents and men - symbols of fertility
why were the pig remains placed on the altar on day 2
to ensure divine protection of crops
what happened on day 3 of the festival
worshippers would pray for blessings related to fertility - for children, future families and bountiful crops
why was the festival so appealing
it was a rare opportunity for the women of Athens to escape the control of her husband and engage in public life
who was allowed to attend the festival
women
when was it held
Autumn
why dont we know much about it
it was a mystery cult
