Greek pagan holidays were an integral part of ancient Greek religious practice. These holidays were tied to the cycle of the seasons and were celebrated to honor various gods and goddesses. One of the most important Greek pagan holidays was the festival of Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. This festival, known as the Dionysia, was held in Athens and other Greek cities in late March or early April. It consisted of a series of performances of tragic and comedic plays, as well as parades and processions. The festival lasted several days and was a time of revelry and indulgence.
Holidays
Holidays are an important part of Hellenic religious life across all of the Mediterranean– whether Greek or Roman. For the sake of modernity, relevant Graeco-Roman holidays will be adapted to the contemporary Gregorian Calendar.
Ianouarios (Latin: Ianuarius, Eng: January)
Kalends (January), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, January 1: First day of the New Year, in honour of Janus. Large celebrations done, and charity is highly encouraged. Prayers to Lord Asklepios also recommended.
Phebrouarios (Latin: Februarius, Eng: February)
Kalends (February), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 1: First day of the month.
Parentalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 13 – February 21: Literally “Ancestors Days” or “Days of the Ancestors”, Parentalia is the February festival celebrating the deceased ancestors of the family and the pater familias. They are offered flowers, wine-soaked bread, violets salt, and wheat. Often they are providing a true sacrificial banquet, but these are di inferni, spirits of the underworld. They are those who dwell below, and proper care must be made in sacrificing to them.
Anthesteria, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, February 19 – February 21: Athenian festivals dedicated to Dionysos and the dead.
Lupercalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, February 15: Holiday intended to avert evil spirits and miasma, as well as spread purification; which releases health and fertility.
Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, February 17-23 (Sign of capricorn): Serves as reminders of the Greater Mysteries, in honour of Deo and Kore.
Martios (Latin: Martius, Eng: March)
Kalends (March), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, March 1: First day of the month.
Navigium Isidis, Hellenistic-era Egyptian, Gregorian calendar, March 5-6: Festival in honour of Isis marks the opening of the sailing season.
Dionysia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, March 9 – 16: Holiday dedicated to Bacchus.
Liberalia, Roman era, Gregorian Calendar, March 17: Another holiday dedicated to Bacchus.
Hilaria, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, March 15 – March 28: Numerous day celebration dedicated to the Mother of the Gods and Her lover Attis/Gallus.
Quinquatrus, Roman era, Gregorian Calendar, March 19: When the Temple of Athene on the Aventine Hill was consecrated. Feast day to Athene.
Aprillios (Latin: Aprilis, Eng: April)
Kalends (April), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, April 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to Aphrodite.
Genéteira tis Rómis (Natale de Roma), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, April 21: Day commemorating the founding of Rome by Quirinus, known as Romulus when embodied in a mortal form.
Serapia, Hellenistic-era Egyptian, Gregorian calendar, April 25: Day commemorating Serapis, the ruler of the underworld.
Maïos (Latin: Maius Eng: May)
Kalends (May), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, May 1: First day of the month.
Lemuria, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, May 9, 11 and 13: A trio of solemn days for the malevolent and restless dead, for maintaining their memory is as paramount as those of the benevolent ancestors. Sacrifices are offered as propitiation in order to keep the peace and avoid ill luck from these infernal spirits.
Thargelia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, May 22 – May 23: Celebration in honour of Artemis and Apollo.
Iounios (Latin: Iunius, Eng: June)
Kalends (June), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 1: First day of the month.
Flight of Aineías, June 11: According to calculations by Eratosthenes, today is the day the city of Troy was sacked in 1184 BCE. The burning of Troy would be the end of the Trojan War, but simultaneously it would be the birth of a new beginning. Ultimately, Troy’s fall would give rise to the eternal city of Rome centuries later, as many of those who laid the city’s foundations had been descendant of the Trojan refugees led by the pious Prince Aineías who fled the destruction, such as Aineías’ descendant Romulus. Today is a day that feasts should be held to commemorate the flight of Aineías and the survival of our ancestors, but simultaneously a day of mourning for those innocent who perished, whether during the Trojan War or any war.
Prometheia, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, June 17th: Festival dedicated to Prometheus bestowing reason to mankind.
Vestalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 7th – 15th: Festival specifically in honor of the Goddess of the house, Vesta, and the spirits of the store chambers, cupboards, and the penates.
Death of Julian, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, June 28th: Mourning day marking the death of the divine Julian.
Ioulios (Latin: Iulius, Eng: July)
Kalends (July), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, July 1: First day of the month.
Neptunalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, July 23: Held in honour of Poseidon. Plea for rain.
Augoustos (Latin: Augustus, Eng: August)
Kalends (August), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 1: First day of the month.
Sol Indiges, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 9: Minor holiday to King Helios where sacrifice is offered.
Vinalia Rustica, Gregorian calendar, August 19: A rustic harvest festival dedicated to Zeus and Aphrodite, celebrating the grape harvest, vegetable growth and fertility
Vulcanalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, August 23: A propitiatory sacrifice during the hot month of August to Hephaistos (Vulcan) in order to protect the home and livelihood from the ravages of fire. Traditional practices include sacrificing small fish into bonfires so that humans would not be harmed.
Septembrios (Latin: September, Eng: September)
Kalends (September), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, September 1: First day of the month. Ceremonies dedicated to Jupiter Tonans (“the Thunderer”) on the Capitolium, and Juno Regina on the Aventine.
Greater Eleusinian Mysteries, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, September 6-12 (Sign of cancer): In honour of Deo and Kore. Called great when the Goddess departs, (At least, the other equinox is in mythology the time of the kidnap of Kore, which is the descent of the souls.)
Apollo Campus Martius, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, September 23: Anniversary of the rededication of the Temple of Apollo in the Campus Martius; Leto is also honored
Oktôbrios (Latin: October, Eng: October)
Kalends (October), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, October 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to the deity Pistis (Fides in Latin).
Thesmophoria, Greek era, Gregorian calendar, October 2-4:
Khalkeia, ancient Hellenistic, Gregorian calendar, October 7:
Noembrios (Latin: November, Eng: November)
Kalends (November), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, November 1: First day of the month.
Feastday of Julian, Later Roman era, Gregorian calendar, November 8: Feast day dedicated to the coronation of Flavius Claudius Iulianus Augustus, the great reformer of Hellenism, as Caesar of the west.
Dekembrios (Latin: December, Eng: December)
Kalends (December), Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 1: First day of the month. Dedicated to Poseidon and Pietas.
Saturnalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 17-23rd: Festivals that goes on for numerous days in celebration of the Winter Solstice with a particular focus on the golden age of Saturn.
- Opalia, Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 19: Festival in honour of Ops
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, Later Roman era, Gregorian calendar, December 25th: Winter Solstice celebration dedicated to the birthday of God.
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HELLENIC FAITH
Hellenic Faith is a website dedicated to Julian Hellenism, a reformed denomination of Hellenism, the polytheistic religion of the Graeco-Roman world, influenced by the teachings and writings of Julian the Philosopher (r. 361-363 ACE) and the divine Iamblichus (c. 245-325 ACE). It is a Orphic-Platonic tradition, derived from the teachings of Orpheus through the Platonic school, and solar-based, centered around the worship of the omnipotent creator God, King Zeus-Helios. This website is under constant construction. It is expected to be completed by (at the very least) the year 2021 ACE. Everything on this website is subject to change. Many articles are incomplete, and those which do seem complete may be subject to complete revision.
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Hearth of Hellenism: The Greek Wheel of the Year
In this post of the Hearth of Hellenism, I want to introduce to you the “Greek Wheel of the Year” using the calendar that was established by Y.S.E.E. It varies from the typical “wheel of the year” that you may be familiar with.
When do we honor the gods? We honor the Gods all the time, but certain times more than others, that is when a religious calendar comes in. Calendars however are a problematic issue concerning contemporary paganism. The problem is that the Greeks had many holidays, and a variety of religious activities to do during the year. Which system do you follow, which holidays do you observe? Contemporary followers can participate on various levels with differing degrees ranging from simple to complex. An important thing to keep in mind is that you do not have to reconstruct/ imitate the ancient ways that is out of sync of our times. We do not seek to replicate exactly everything from the past. Our lives differ so greatly from the lives of our ancestors. The polis and cultic religious practices are gone, vanishing and transformed when Christianity came in. Many traditional festivals continued under a Christian disguise along with folk practices from the ancient world. Nothing is ever completely lost, you just need to know where to look. Bringing back a revived Hellenism requires an acceptance that we are in the 21st century. We honor the past, we seek to restore what we can, but also in a way that makes sense that bridges the ancient ways within the modern reality. This is the essence of a living tradition, it evolves without losing itself. The simple fact that we recognize that the Gods existence and we seek ways to honor them is enough. The added bonus of remaining information we have from the historic record and oral traditions helps us to pick up where we left off and gives us the bridge of continuity. The calendar produced by Y.S.E.E joins contemporary man with the close contact that ancient man had with the cycles of nature.. Each month features a festival from antiquity, and is directly linked to a moral (virtues) exercise in the specific qualities associated with the honored Gods. The calendar presented here is a solar based, reflecting the cycle of the sun along with the cycle of nature. Each month has a festival, a presiding deity, and virtues for contemplation. The twelve festivals are divided into two groups, “Solar” and “Olympian.” As the year progesses I will do my best to share with you each given month’s festivals and activities as I did in October of 2017. The Greek Wheel of the Year 1. January, beginning of the sign of Aquarius, celebration of Theogamia (Sacred Marriage). Goddess Hera dominates during this month and the cultivated virtues are Boldness (Παρρησία) and Pride (Υπερηφάνεια). 2. February, beginning of the sign of Pisces, celebration of Anthesteria (honoring Dionysus, the God of vegetation). During this month God Poseidon dominates and the virtues cultivated are Piety (Ευσέβεια) and Integrity (Χρηστότης). 3. March, beginning of the sign of Aries, celebration of the Spring Equinox and Asklepeia (honoring God Asclepius). In this month Goddess Athena dominates and the virtues of Bravery (Ανδρεία) and Ingenuity (Αγχίνοια) are cultivated. 4. April, beginning of the sign of Taurus, celebration of Charesia – Aphrodisia (honoring Goddess Antheia Aphrodite, the Graces and “georgios” / “terrene” Sun -Helios of the spring). During this month Goddess Aphrodite dominates and the virtues of Love (Φιλότης) and Generosity (Γενναιοδωρία / Χαριστικότης) are cultivated. 5. May, beginning of the sign of Gemini, celebration of Thargelia (honoring the twin Gods Apollo and Artemis). During this month God Apollo dominates and the virtues of Harmony (Αρμονία) and Honesty / Straightforwardness (Ειλικρίνεια / Ευθύτης) are cultivated. 6. June, beginning of the sign of Cancer, celebration of the Summer Solstice. During this month God Hermes dominates and the virtues of Knowledge of good dealings (Ευσυναλλαξία) and Sociability (Ευκοινωνησία) are cultivated. 7. July, beginning of the sign of Leo celebration of Dioscuria and honoring the Dioscuri and the heroes of the battle of Thermopylae. During this month God Zeus dominates and the virtues of Justice (Δικαιοσύνη) and Orderliness (Ευταξία) are cultivated. 8. August, beginning of the sign of Virgo, celebration of Heraia in honor of the Goddess Hera. During this month, the Goddess Demeter dominates and the virtues of Endurance (Καρτερία) and Prudence (Σύνεσις) are cultivated. 9. September, beginning of the sign of Libra, celebration of the Autumn Equinox and honors to the heroes of the battle of Marathon. During this month God Hephaestus dominates and the virtues of Creativity (Ευμηχανία) and Diligence (Φιλοπονία) are cultivated. 10. October, beginning of the sign of Scorpio (Taurus polarity), celebration of Herakleia (honoring God Hercules, the “demetrius” / “subterranean” Helios – Sun of the autumn). God Mars dominates this month and the virtues of Courage (Θαρραλεότης) and Steadfastness (Ευψυχία) are cultivated. 11. November, beginning of the sign of Sagittarius, celebration of Maimakteria (invocation to God Zeus Maimaktes for a mild winter). Goddess Artemis dominates this month and the virtues of Wisdom (Σωφροσύνη) and Self-Restraint (Εγκράτεια) are cultivated. 12. December, beginning of the sign of Capricorn, celebration of Triespron (birth of Triesperos Herakles) and of the Winter Solstice. During this month Goddess Hestia dominates and the virtues of Stability (Σταθερότης) and Decency (Κοσμιότης) are cultivated. Since it is January (Gamelion | Γαμηλιών) let us begin with the Theogamia, the Sacred Marriage of Zeus and Hera. This festival honors the union of the King and Queen of Olympus. Their union produces Life, which is represented by Dionysus (the winter sun), who’s festival is celebrated in February. Household Ritual A simple at home for the following festival that can be done at your altar/shrine. Burning of incense (styrax is recommended). You may wish to decorate, you can do so using the attributes of the gods. Peacock feathers and lilies for Hera, and eagle feathers and oak branches for Zeus. Opening Ritual “Hear us/me Gods of the Hellas, You we/I call upon, to come to us/me in good mind.
Hear us/me blessed ones and come to us/me from fire, from earth, from water, from air, and from Olympus.” Wish to the Gods of the Hearth “We/I invoke you Household God,
Overseer of the home
increaser of our possessions,
in every space, house or workshop
and always in charge. We/I invoke your presence Goddess Hestia,
holy light,
seated in the center, of every space, house or workshop
and always in charge We/I invoke your presence Ephestian Gods
and divine ancestors,
pure sources of all generations
invisible just spirits
guides of your offspring. Come to us/me in good spirits,
You who possess all the graces, come to this sacred ceremony
Heed our/my prayer with a favorable ear
Come to us/me and take away
troubles and illnesses,
Give us/me peace that brings happiness,
prosperity, well-being of the body
and increase the light of our minds”
“May it be!” Invocation to Zeus and Hera Hymn to Zeus “O Zeus, much-honour’d, Zeus supremely great,
To thee our holy rites we consecrate,
Our pray’rs and expiations, king divine,
For all things to produce with ease thro’ mind is thine.
Hence mother Earth and mountains swelling high
Proceed from thee, the deep and all within the sky.
Saturnian king, descending from above,
Magnanimous, commanding, sceptred Jove;
All-parent, principle and end of all,
Whose pow’r almighty shakes this earthly ball;
Ev’n Nature trembles at thy mighty nod,
Loud-sounding, arm’d with light’ning, thund’ring God.
Source of abundance, purifying king,
O various-form’d, from whom all natures spring;
Propitious hear my pray’r, give blameless health,
With peace divine, and necessary wealth.” Hymn to Hera “O royal Hera, of majestic mien,
Aerial-form’d, divine, Zeus’ blessed queen,
Thron’d in the bosom of cerulean air,
The race of mortals is thy constant care.
The cooling gales thy pow’r alone inspires,
Which nourish life, which ev’ry life desires.
Mother of show’rs and winds, from thee alone,
Producing all things, mortal life is known;
All natures share thy temp’rament divine,
And universal sway alone is thine.
With sounding blasts of wind, the swelling sea
And rolling rivers roar when shook by thee.
Come, blessed Goddess, fam’d almighty queen,
With aspect kind, rejoicing and serene.” Closing of the Ritual “Farewell Blessed ones, farewell eternal Gods,
To the pious worshipers, increase the Divine Light,
Disease, pains and decay take away to the ends of the earth.
May it be.”
Greek pagan holidays
FESTIVALS OF THE
ANCIENT GREEK RELIGION
HellenicGods.org
"And the Gods, pitying the toils which our race is born to undergo, have appointed holy festivals, wherein men alternate rest with labour; and have given them the Muses and Apollo, the leader of the Muses, and Dionysus, to be companions in their revels, that they may improve their education by taking part in the festivals of the Gods, and with their help." ( Νόμοι Πλάτωνος Book II 653 c-d, trans. Benjamin Jowett, 1892.)
The word festival in ancient Greek is æortí (eortê, ἑορτή ; plural is ἑορταί ). The word is inclusive of any kind of festivity, but we are using it in its religious sense. There is another word which also means festival, which is iæreia (iereia, ἱερεία ), which can also mean an animal sacrifice , as was performed in antiquity, but is inappropriate in modern times. In Ællinismόs (Hellenismos, Ἑλληνισμός ), the ancient Greek religion, the æortí is a special kind of holiday in which we celebrate something connected with a deity, such as their birthday. Sometimes the festivals celebrate a special time in the year, such as the solstices and equinoxes. The festivals always incorporate ritual, but they also involve a joyous celebration which may include a great meal and, hopefully, the participation of friends who love the Gods. There are numerous festivals throughout the year, such that in ancient times, it is believed that in Athens, as one example, most people only worked two-thirds of the year, the other third dedicated to the worship of the Gods.
The Hellenic religious day begins at sun-down. Therefore, it is appropriate to celebrate a holiday any time after sundown, the night before the date of the festival, until dusk the following day.
Adóhnia - Celebrated in spring, around the time of the Christian holiday of Easter (which actually "conceals" the ancient festival) is the Adóhnia (Adonia, Ἀδώνια ), a festival of Ádohnis (Adonis, Ἄδωνις ), Aphrodíti (Aphrodite, Ἀφροδίτη ), and Pærsæphóni (Persephone, Περσεφόνη ).
Ælaphivólia - a festival of Ártæmis (Artemis, Ἄρτεμις ).
Æpivatírion of Ártæmis – This is the birthday of Ártæmis (Artemis, Ἄρτεμις ) and it is celebrated on May 20, the day before Tharyília.
Amphidrómia - ( Ἀμφιδρόμια . Etym. ἀμφί "both sides" + δρόμος "walkway. Also called Δρομιάφιον .) The Amphidrómia is the naming festival when a child is first presented to friends and family. It can also be performed when an adult is given a Hellenic name in Ællinismόs (Hellenismos, Ἑλληνισμός ) and accepted into the religion and the community.
Anthæstíria is a sacred three-day festival of Diόnysos (Dionysus, Διόνυσος ) held, roughly, mid-February.
Arotreia – See Iærǽs Ároti .
Dikhominía - On the Dikhominía (Dichomenia, Διχομηνία ), the Full Moon, the Gates of Divinity are open, which means that the divine realm is particularly accessible on these days and in itself is reason enough for ritual. In addition, if a festival occurs near the Dikhominía, it is appropriate to move the ritual to this day.
Elaphebolia - See Ælaphivólia .
Iærǽs Ároti - (The Sacred Ploughings or Hieres Arotoi, Ἱερές Ἄροτοι ) The Sacred Ploughings are three mystic festivals of Athiná (Athêna, Ἀθηνᾶ ) celebrated in autumn, spring, and summer concerning both literal tillage but more significantly the cultivation of the soul.
Iliostasía - (Heliostasio, Ἡλιοστασία ) Solstice . The two solstices, December 21 and June 21, are sacred days. On these days the Gates of Divinity are open, meaning that the divine realm is more accessible on such days.
Iliouyænna - (Heliogenna, Ηλιούγεννα ) At the commencement of the month of Capricorn, just after December 21, we celebrate the birth of the Sun and the dawn of the solar year. In the Southern Hemisphere, this holiday is celebrated just after June 21.
Isimæría (Isêmeria, Ἰσημερία , singular) the Equinox . Ismæríai ( Ἰσημερίαι ) is plural: the Equinoxes . The Equinox of September 21 and the Equinox of March 21 are sacred days. On these days the Gates of Divinity are open, meaning that the divine realm is more accessible on such days. See New Year, Religious .
Kárneia - (Carneia, Κάρνεια ) a great festival of Apóllohn (Apollo, Ἀπόλλων ). This holiday is often associated with ancient Sparta and her colonies:
Khalkeia - This is the Hellenic Labor Day and a great festival of Íphaistos (Hephaestus, Ἥφαιστος ) and Athiná (Athêna, Ἀθηνᾶ ).
Krónia - (Cronia, Κρόνια ) The Krónia is a festival in honor of Krónos (Cronus, Κρόνος ) and Rǽa (Rhea, Ῥέα ) held, roughly, mid-July. Traditionally, offerings are made to Krónos, as the father or Zefs ( Ζεύς ), offerings of cookies in the shape of oxen, made of wheat flour and milk, symbolizing Earth and Water. The cookies are glazed with honey, and libations are made of honey, representing the Aithír (Ether or Aether, Αἰθήρ ) of immortality.
Moon, Full - See Pansǽlinos .
Moon, New - See Nouminía .
New Year, Religious – The Equinox on September 21 (regardless of which hemisphere you are in) marks the beginning of the Orphic year and the beginning of the month of Zygós (Libra, Ζυγός ) ruled by the Goddess Æstía (Hestia, Ἑστία ).
Nouminía - (Noumenia, Νουμηνία ) The Nouminía is the New Moon festival, celebrated on the day of the initial appearance of the Minískos (Mêniscus, Μηνίσκος ), the lunar crescent. It is the first day of the lunar month and, according to Ploutarkhos (Plutarch, Πλούταρχος ), the holiest ( Ἠθικά Πλουτάρχο υ 828a). In an interesting story told by Porphýrios (Porphyry, Πορφύριος ), the philosopher describes the practice of a certain Klǽarkhos, (Cléärchus, Κλέαρχος ), a most pious man who celebrated Nouminía in the following manner:
". he diligently sacrificed to them (ed. the Gods) at the proper times in every month at the new moon, crowning and adorning the statues of Hermes and Hecate, and the other sacred images which were left to us by our ancestors and that he also honoured the Gods with frankincense, and sacred wafers and cakes." ( On Abstinence From Animal Food Πορφυρίου , Book 2.16, trans.Thomas Taylor, 1823.)
If possible, we do ritual on the Nouminía, and in the body of the ritual we recite the ninth Orphic hymn, To Sælíni (Selene, Σελήνη ), the Moon. And we honor her with offerings of cakes and aromatic incense. It is also appropriate to honor Næomínios (Neomênius or Noumênius, Νεομήνιος ) Apóllohn and all the Thæí (the Gods, Θεοί ) and Íroæs (Heroes, Ἥρωες ) with like gifts and frankincense.
Ploughings, The Three Sacred - See Iærǽs Ároti .
Poseidæa - a festival of Poseidóhn (Poseidon, Ποσειδῶν )
Pyanǽpsia is a festival, a thanks-offering to Apóllohn, whereby we make the Eiræsióhni (Eiresionê, Εἰρεσιώνη ) to hang above our door and protect our family and home.
Skirophória - (Scirophoria, Σκιροφόρια ) The Skirophória is the summer festival of the three Iærǽs Ároti, the Sacred Plowing holidays. See Iærǽs Ároti .
Thæogamía commemorates the wedding of Íra (Hera, Ἥρα ) and Zefs ( Ζεὺς ), the union of Earth and Water (See Orphic Materialism) celebrated in the month of Kriós (Crius or Aquarius, Κριός ).
Thæophánia - The celebration of the return of Apóllôn in spring from the land of the Hyperboreans.
Tharyília - The birthday of Apóllôn (Apollo, Ἀπόλλων ) is celebrated the day after that of his twin sister Ártæmis (Artemis, Ἄρτεμις ). Both holidays are discussed in the article online.
Twelve Days of Diónysos - In the middle of winter we have a series of holidays just after the Æliougenna, beginning on the eve of Dec. 25, the Epiphany of Ælefthæréfs Diónysos ( Διόνυσος Ἐλευθερεύς ), Diónysos the Liberator.
The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony .
We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology .
Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology .
Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods .
How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods .
The festival lasted several days and was a time of revelry and indulgence. Another significant Greek pagan holiday was the festival of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility. This festival, known as the Thesmophoria, was held in October and was primarily attended by married women.
During the Thesmophoria, women would fast for three days and engage in rituals and ceremonies to ensure the fertility of the land and the success of future harvests. The festival of Zeus, the king of the gods, was known as the Olympian Games. This athletic competition, held every four years in Olympia, featured events such as running, wrestling, and chariot racing. The Olympic Games were not only a time of physical prowess, but also a time of spiritual and cultural unity among the Greek city-states. In addition to these major holidays, there were numerous other Greek pagan festivals throughout the year. These included the Panathenaea, in honor of the goddess Athena, the Thargelia, a celebration of the god Apollo, and the Anthesteria, a festival dedicated to Dionysus. These holidays often involved feasting, processions, and religious ceremonies. Greek pagan holidays were a significant part of ancient Greek culture and religion. They allowed individuals to connect with the gods and goddesses, honor their traditions, and celebrate the natural world. Many of these holidays continue to be celebrated today, albeit in modified forms, in modern Greek culture..
Reviews for "Greek Pagan Holidays: A Traditional Approach to Healing and Wellness"
1. John Doe - 1/5 - I found "Greek pagan holidays" to be a complete waste of my time. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own personal beliefs rather than providing a balanced and informative account of Greek pagan holidays. The book lacked depth and failed to capture the true essence of these ancient traditions. Overall, I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a genuine understanding of Greek pagan holidays.
2. Sarah Smith - 2/5 - While "Greek pagan holidays" had the potential to be an interesting read, it fell short in many aspects. The writing style was dry and lacked enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, I found the information to be repetitive and poorly organized, making it hard to follow along. Overall, I believe there are better resources available on this topic, and I would not recommend this book to others.
3. David Thompson - 2.5/5 - Having a keen interest in Greek mythology and ancient traditions, I was excited to delve into "Greek pagan holidays." However, I was left underwhelmed. The book provided a superficial overview of the holidays without going into the depth I was hoping for. It lacked the necessary analysis and historical context to truly bring these traditions to life. The writing style was also somewhat monotonous, further contributing to my disappointment. While it may serve as a basic introduction to the topic, it failed to satisfy my curiosity and desire for more comprehensive information.