Women And Religion - 5 Flashcards
What were the duties of a hiereia?
To serve the Goddesses, looking after the sanctuary and the buildings inside, supervising the work of temple attendants as the wash and clothed the statue of the golf, residing at sacrifices and certain public festivals.
How could a woman become a hiereia?
Either elected, chosen by lottery or inherited from a parent
What was the function of a mantis?
A prophet, after an animal had been killed a mantis would examine it by the colour and texture. Determine whether the gods accepted the sacrifice. Gained a reputation by giving accurate prophecies. If you were well respected as a mantis you would have political power.
What role did the women play at The Great Panathenaia?
Women could not compete but could watch. Their duty was to hep with the peplos which would go on the statue of Athena. The peplos was woven by women called ERGASTINAI. They wove intricate images onto the fabric to depict a battle. This was to honour Athena
What role did the women play at The Thesmorphia?
Only for married women. Honouring the Goddess of Demeter, fertility and harvest. With i out Demeter influence no cries would grow and all life would perish. So without the women honouring her life would supposedly fail. The women would set up shelters near the pnyx (the hill where the Athenian assembly met), symbolising that the women took over the city. The net day they would fast and sit on the ground covering themselves on ashes. Mourning/ re-enacting Demeter grief. On the final day they would pray for blessings in fertility to make sure they could produce and heir for their husbands.
What role did the women play at the worship of Dionysus?
Women who worshiped Dionysus were referred to se Maenad, they would dance and do drugs to lose their inhibition to have an ecstatic experience. Chasing after wild animals during their rituals. They were ruthless and rebellious. As Dionysus was the God of wine and ecstasy, by consuming these things it showed signs of respect to him.
What were Athenian burial customs?
When a relative died the women (over the age of 60) were responsible to organise a burial of the body. First wash the body, then take care of wounds. Adding ointments an oils then clothed in a white burial shroud. Finally the body was garland with flowers and a coin placed under their mounted for they could pass into the underworld. To show grief women would cut their hair short and dress in tattered clothing
What duties and privileges did the Vestal Virgins have?
What were the duties for the Vestal Virgins?
- to tend to the sacred fire and make sure it never went out accidentally
- once a year to extinguish the fire, clean and purity the temple and relight the fire
- to attend certain public festivals and sacrifices
- to bake the sacred salt cake usages at state sacrifices
- to act as guardians of important documents, including wills and treaties
What are the duties for Flaminica Dialis?
- sacrificing a ram to Jupiter every eight day on the market day
- weaving a ceremonial cloak for the Flamen Dialis
- attending certain festivals alongside her husband
- avoiding religious pollution by observing a series of superstitious rules (not cutting hair in June)
How was Flaminica Dialis chosen for her role?
Needed to marry Flamen Dialis.
What are the rites of the Bona Dea?
All male species and men had to be removed from the premises whilst this was taking place, celebrated at night, when mirth attends the revels and loads of music is played
Why would a woman want to be a hiereia?
Very well paid, got to keep the skin and legs of sacrificed animals (which could be sold for good profit), Highly respected and very influential.
Why was the Pythia so well respected?
She served as Apollos priestess and would refrain from having sex. She would be know as one of the most reliable in the world,m people would ask for gods’ forgiveness.
How were the events at the Great Panathenaia meant to honour Athena?
- dedicating a peplos to her statue in a dyed purple or saffron which were very expensive colouring - they spent all their time and money on her
- Parading her down the street meant they held pride in her
- The Parthenon was made of marble to add overall impressiveness for the purpose of honouring the goddess.