The Thesmophoria Flashcards
Who was the Thesmophoria in honour of?
Demeter, Goddess of Corn and Cultivation
What was The Thesmophoria?
A festival in honour of Demeter, Goddess of Corn and Cultivation. It took place in October/November, shortly before the seed corn planting and in Athens it lasted 3 days and was limited to the wives of Athenian citizens.
What happened on the first day?
Anodos. A procession of women carrying sacred objects went upill to the festival site.
What happened on the second day?
Nesteia (fast). No solid food was consumed and women sat on plants.
What happened on the third and final day?
Kalligeneia (bearer of the beautiful offspring). A time of joy, women celebrated with sacrifices and feasts to ensure the fertility to them by Demeter.
Why did women perform these rites?
Possible that they were re-enacting Demeter’s loss at her daughter, Persephone. These rites were referred to as ‘women’s mysteries’ and were meant to be kept secret.
Why was the Thesmophoria important for women?
Given a high level of official encouragement, husbands paid expenses incurred by wives during celebration. Women could break from their social constraints, emphasis was on their role in the community. Festival allowed women to demonstrate their independence and responsibility. Was central to the well-being of the state.
Why was the fact that it was located in the ‘Pynx’ significant?
Important location, and if a meeting was called during the Thesmophoria then men had to have their meeting in the theatre, not the Pynx.
How is the ‘Thesmophoria’ shown in Ancient Literature?
Piece of female counter-culture which is perceived by men as a threat.
