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91-461: The term Lenaia probably comes from " lenos " 'wine-press' or from " lenai ", another name for the Maenads (the female worshippers of Dionysus). The Lenaia is depicted on numerous vases, which show both typical Maenad scenes and those of aristocrats and wine -mixing rituals. It is unknown exactly what kind of worship occurred at the festival, but it may have been in honor of Dionysus as a youth or

182-432: A " Pythagorean mode of life". In 1788, Valadi traveled to England in order to convince an unnamed "gentleman of eminence in the literary world" to become the head of a new Pythagorean sect, assuring him that Valadi would help him find numerous followers. He refused, and suggested Valadi learn Greek and become the head of the sect himself. Valadi began his studies at Glasgow , where he learned of Taylor, to whom he wrote in

273-516: A Hellenist was Thomas Taylor (1758–1835), who produced the first English translations of many neoplatonic philosophical and religious texts. Taylor was widely known as the "English Platonist", and rumors existed that he had produced anonymous pamphlets advocating a return to a sort of pagan religion (these rumors have been debunked by modern scholars ). Though the extent of his actual devotion to Ancient Greek spirituality remains unknown, brief descriptions written by others about him tend to portray him as

364-578: A Macedonian 5000 denar banknote issued in 1996. Hellenism (religion) Hellenism ( Greek : Ἑλληνισμός ) in a religious context refers to the modern pluralistic religion practiced in Greece and around the world by several communities derived from the beliefs , mythology , and rituals from antiquity through and up to today. It is a system of thought and spirituality with a shared culture and values, and common ritualistic, linguistic, and literary tradition. More broadly, Hellenism centers itself on

455-509: A bull helmet in honor of their god, and often handle or wear snakes. These women were mythologized as the "mad women" who were nurses of Dionysus in Nysa . Lycurgus "chased the Nurses of the frenzied Dionysus through the holy hills of Nysa, and the sacred implements dropped to the ground from the hands of one and all, as the murderous Lycurgus struck them down with his ox-goad". They went into

546-556: A child, by torchlight and commemorating the myth of the god's death and rebirth. This happened both in Delphi and in Athens in the Lenaia, in the same season, winter. It further supports the idea that Attic Lenaia had a specific ritual involving women, the followers of the god. The ritual associated in this case with the idea of the resurrection of the god associated with wine production and

637-626: A collection of hymns, the Hymni naturales, in which he celebrates the Olympian pantheon . Bartolomeo Scala , his father-in-law, was a member of the Platonic Academy in Florence , Italy. So, my good king of the gods, the gloomy fate, unfortunately, I could not escape, to practice as a Hellene the cult of my fathers in a non-Hellenic language, (Hymn to Hermes ) Validating

728-413: A common name and identity with our co-religionists in the homeland of our spirituality," and that the term 'Hellenism' is linked too closely in current use to the modern Greek nation. When discussing theology , opinions are divided. Some argue that theology is a fundamental part of the ancient tradition and an integral part of ancient philosophy. Some groups, such as YSEE , have published materials about

819-411: A dogma [laughing], ... there are of course some guiding principles that one needs to follow because they are based on tradition, these are things that you need to follow." This means that values are still present and should be adhered to. In some cases, they are openly stated in the group's texts: The values that govern and guide Labrys religious community are: Eusebia (Piety), in our relationship with

910-690: A drunken rapture, as in Euripides ' play The Bacchae . In Euripides' play and other art forms and works, the frenzied dances of the god are direct manifestations of euphoric possession, and these worshippers, sometimes by eating the flesh of a man or animal who has temporarily incarnated the god, come to partake of his divinity. Depictions of maenads are often found on both red and black-figure Greek pottery, statues, and jewelry. Also, fragments of reliefs of female worshipers of Dionysus have been discovered at Corinth . Mark W. Edwards in his paper "Representation of Maenads on Archaic Red-Figure Vases" traces

1001-401: A feast. As Plutarch records this festival, a priest would chase a group of virgins down with a sword. These women were supposed to be descendants of the women who sacrificed their son in the name of Dionysios. The priest would catch one of the woman and execute her. This human sacrifice was later omitted from the festival. Eventually the women would be freed from the intense ecstatic experience of

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1092-637: A few years after the death of Plethon, Michael Tarchaniota Marullus was born near the site of ancient Sparta in the Despotate of the Morea or in Constantinople . Both of Marullus's parents were Greek exiles who had fled from Constantinople when it fell to the Turks in 1453, and he always proudly called himself a Greek . Marullus was a poet and stratioti-soldier . Among his works, Marullus composed

1183-400: A glimpse of and a preparation for what they would someday experience in eternity. The rite climaxed in a performance of frenzied feats of strength and madness, such as uprooting trees, tearing a bull (the symbol of Dionysus) apart with their bare hands, an act called sparagmos , and eating its flesh raw, an act called omophagia . This latter rite was a sacrament akin to communion in which

1274-469: A humble stranger (xenos), who turns out to be a disguised deity (theos) with the capacity to bestow rewards. Offerings and libations are considered sacred integral acts within worship. There are several types of offerings that are performed, sacrifices , votive offerings , and libations . Without sacrifices, prayers are words only; but accompanied with sacrifices they become animated words; and words indeed corroborating life. Devotees are divided upon

1365-509: A letter: My determination was to go and live in North America, and there to keep a school of temperance and love, in order to preserve so many men from the prevailing vices of brutal intemperance and selfish cupidity ... There I would devoutly erect altars to my favourite Gods: Dioscuri , Hector , Aristomenes , Pan , Orpheus , Epaminondas , Pythagoras , Pluto , Timoleon , Marcus Brutus and his Portia , and above all, Phoebus ,

1456-476: A libretto by W. H. Auden and Chester Kallman , is the most famous opera composed by Hans Werner Henze . Maenads are the adopted symbol of Tetovo in North Macedonia , depicted prominently of the city's coat of arms . The inclusion of maenad imagery dates to 1932 when a small statuette of a maenad, dating to the 6th century BC, was found in the city. The "Tetovo Maenad" was featured on the reverse of

1547-466: A lion. A group of maenads also kill Orpheus , when he refuses to entertain them while mourning his dead wife. In ceramic art , the frolicking of Maenads and Dionysus is often a theme depicted on kraters , used to mix water and wine. These scenes show the maenads in their frenzy running in the forests, often tearing to pieces any animal they happen to come across. German philologist Walter Friedrich Otto writes: The Bacchae of Euripides gives us

1638-508: A pejorative for ethnic Hellenes. Olympianismos (Olympianism) and Neopaganismos ( Neopaganism ) are used by the Greek Orthodox Church in a derogatory manner, while the term Dodekatheismos (religion of twelve gods) is used by both Christian critics and some polytheists. Another more general name for this religion is Hellenic polytheism or paganism . This term is used most often outside of Greece. Some academics use

1729-592: A personal one, not one that should be endorsed by a group or the community, as is the case with monotheistic religions. They consider the rituals based on mythology, with myths forming the basis of their festivals, and there is no theology behind them. This perspective does not mean that members of the community or broader Hellenic religious milieu can do whatever they please. It is acknowledged that there are certain principles, rooted in tradition, that should be followed and accepted by members. As one follower stated, "you can't be dogmatic in our circles, because we don't have

1820-452: A religious identifier for "Hellenic religion" in the same manner as " Christianity " is understood to mean "Christian religion." Other informal naming conventions have also developed since the formation of the first Hellenic religious organizations in the 1990s, based on academically accepted descriptive definitions. The phrase "Hellenic polytheistic reconstructionism" refers specifically to the methodology used by some practitioners to recreate

1911-402: A sincerely devout polytheist. One such sketch, written by Isaac D'Israeli , describes Taylor delaying answering his door until he has finished his mid-day hymn to Apollo , and reports that his study contained a hanging globe of clear glass, representing Zeus , that scattered sunbeams he would use to read and write, shifting his position in the room to follow them throughout the day. In 1779,

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2002-443: A wide variety of women, supernatural, mythological, and historical, associated with the god Dionysus and his worship. In Euripides ' play The Bacchae , maenads of Thebes murder King Pentheus after he bans the worship of Dionysus. Dionysus, Pentheus' cousin, himself lures Pentheus to the woods, where the maenads tear him apart. His corpse is mutilated by his own mother, Agave , who tears off his head, believing it to be that of

2093-399: Is clear that certain values are held in common within the community and should be accepted by members, but there is no such requirement for theological or philosophical beliefs. As one member stated, "it doesn't matter if you have read Homer or Hesiod . The most important is piety. To be possessed by Gods and be pious is the A and Z." Piety was mentioned by most, if not all, members as one of

2184-554: Is first used to refer to Greco-Roman religion by Emperor Julian, in his Letter To Arsacius: " The Hellenic religion does not yet prosper as I desire, and it is the fault of those who profess it; for the worship of the gods is on a splendid and magnificent scale, surpassing every prayer and every hope." - Emperor Julian In the original Greek: Ὁ Ἑλληνισμὸς οὔπω πράττει κατὰ λόγον ἡμῶν ἕνεκα τῶν μετιόντων αὐτόν· τὰ γὰρ τῶν θεῶν λαμπρὰ καὶ μεγάλα, κρείττονα πάσης μὲν εὐχῆς, πάσης δὲ ἐλπίδος. Following this, "Hellenism" has been employed as

2275-572: Is frequently used in the United States to differentiate between syncretic and eclectic Neopagan movements, and those based on the traditions, writings, history, and mythology of a specific ancient polytheistic culture. The Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes have made a clear distinction between themselves and the Neopagan movements, and identify some 'Hellenic' groups as "simply disguised as 'Hellenes' for reasons that exist hidden within

2366-536: Is said to have carried the young Dionysus to the nymphs of Nysa. In another myth, when his mother, Semele, is killed, the care of young Dionysus falls into the hands of his sisters, Ino, Agave, and Autonoe , who later are depicted as participating in the rites and taking a leadership role among the other maenads. The term "maenads" also refers to women in mythology who resisted the worship of Dionysus and were driven mad by him, forced against their will to participate in often horrific rites. The doubting women of Thebes ,

2457-544: Is the father and the eldest creator [δημιουργὸν] of all things." The other gods in the Greek pantheon are divided according "to divine nature [ θεότητι ] into the second and third orders, the first of which are the children of Zeus, his creations, and the second are the children of his children, the creations of his creations." Emically speaking, "revival" accurately describes the religious activity occurring in Greece and around

2548-681: The Agora ) but probably moved to the Theatre of Dionysus by the mid-fifth century. Beginning in the second half of the 5th century BC, plays were performed (as they were at the City Dionysia festival later in the year). The audiences for the Lenaia were usually limited to the local population, since travel by sea at that time of year was considered unsafe. Metics , however, were apparently allowed to both participate and act as choregoi . Around 442 BC, new comic contests were officially included in

2639-499: The Delphic Oracle bid them send to Thebes for both instruction and three professional maenads, stating, "Go to the holy plain of Thebes so that you may get maenads who are from the family of Ino , daughter of Cadmus . They will give to you both the rites and good practices and they will establish dance groups (thiasoi) of Bacchus in your city." Dionysus came to his birthplace, Thebes, where neither Pentheus , his cousin who

2730-665: The Greek gods , which include Twelve Olympians , divinities and spirits of nature (such as nymphs ), underworld deities ( chthonic gods) and heroes . Both physical and spiritual ancestors are greatly honored. The gods exhibit both universal and local qualities. For the Greeks, "their gods were at the same time universal, found everywhere and powerful over the whole world, and intensely local, manifesting themselves in particular places." Some Hellenists may also enrich their beliefs through metaphysical schools or frameworks of Ancient Greece and

2821-515: The Odyssey (13.42), the gods can grant excellence to a life, which is contextually understood to mean prosperity. Xenia ( Ξενία ) is the concept of hospitality and is sometimes translated as "guest-friendship" or "ritualized friendship." It is an institutionalized relationship, rooted in generosity, gift exchange, and reciprocity; fundamental aspects of xenia . Historically, hospitality towards foreigners (Hellenes not of one's polis) and guests

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2912-832: The Orphic hymns , may also be done to honour the god to celebrate. Overall, the key elements of the modern festival try to match the one in antiquity. Maenad In Greek mythology , maenads ( / ˈ m iː n æ d z / ; Ancient Greek : μαινάδες [maiˈnades] ) were the female followers of Dionysus and the most significant members of his retinue, the thiasus . Their name, which comes from μαίνομαι ( maínomai , “to rave, to be mad; to rage, to be angry”), literally translates as 'raving ones'. Maenads were known as Bassarids , Bacchae / ˈ b æ k iː / , or Bacchantes / ˈ b æ k ə n t s , b ə ˈ k æ n t s , - ˈ k ɑː n t s / in Roman mythology after

3003-485: The 1990s. In 2006, Ancient Hellenic Religion, was granted "known religion" status by Greece. In 2017, Greece legally recognized Hellenic Religion as a "known religion." With the status of "known religion" both religions attained certain religious freedoms in Greece, including the freedom to open houses of worship and for clergy to officiate at weddings. Prior to Late Antiquity, there were no official naming practices for labeling religious expressions deriving themselves from

3094-498: The 2nd century BC. Practitioners of the revived religion of Ancient Greece, known as Hellenic Polytheists , seek to restore ancient festivals such as the Lenaia. Reconstructionists take from primary sources and secondary sources to reconstruct the festival itself. Some ways Hellenic Polytheists celebrate is by drinking, partying, and overall merriment. They also celebrate by watching plays , especially Aristophanes ’s plays, such as The Frogs . Reciting hymns to Dionysus, especially

3185-533: The German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote in his diary that "the beautiful gods continue to visit me". He did not profess a literal belief in the deities of Classical Greece, rather perceiving them to be poetic symbols of his own deepest experience. His work inspired a limited number of devotees. The most notable was Godefroi Izarn, the Marquis de Valadi, a young member of a wealthy French family who adopted

3276-674: The God of my hero Julian ... Valadi paid Taylor to live in his house and study under him, but his tenure as Taylor's disciple was short lived. He returned to France to fight in the French Revolution in 1789 (he reportedly said, "I came over Diogenes . I am going back Alexander "), and was executed by guillotine in December 1793 during the Reign of Terror . The literary and artistic movement known as Romanticism promoted notions of

3367-500: The Gods" ( Θεούς σέβου ), and "Respect Your Parents" ( Γονείς αίδου ). Arete ( Ἀρετή ) is often translated as "excellence" or "moral virtue." Arete is intrinsic to the concept of living up to one's potential. For modern Hellenists, arete is one of the most important virtues, and it is believed that cultivating it will lead to a good life of happiness and prosperity. Cultivating arete is not limited to just one domain, but also refers to

3458-458: The Gods; Organikotis (Kinship), in our relationships within the Community; Dikaiosyne (Justice), in terms of members' relations within the Community and also as a guiding principle in the conduct of the community as a whole towards third parties. The members of Labrys religious community also aim at achieving Eudaimonia [happiness] through attaining freedom, autonomy and self-sufficiency. It

3549-551: The Hellenic or Hellenistic culture and history in one form or another. There was not a word in Greek for "religion" in the modern sense. Likewise, no known Classical Greek writer classified either the gods or the cult practices into separate "religions." . Instead, for example, Herodotus speaks of the Hellenes as having "common shrines of the gods and sacrifices, and the same kinds of customs." The term 'Hellenism' (Ἑλληνισμὸς)

3640-740: The Hellenistic world with developed cosmological systems. Amongst the most prominent of these schools are neoplatonism and stoicism . There are many festivals throughout the year that many seek to celebrate, where the dates are often set by the lunisolar Attic calendar . The festivals typically commemorate events in Greek history, honoring deities that the festivals celebrate, and connote spiritual themes. The celebrations incorporate religious themes, arts, sacrifices and offerings, family get togethers and feasts. Popular sacred days are Deipnon , Noumenia and Agathos Daimon . Hellenic festivals include: The majority of modern historians agree that

3731-560: The Lenaia, though plays may have been performed there earlier on an informal basis. At first, the festival held dramatic competitions only for comedy , but in 432 BC a tragic contest was introduced. Many of Aristophanes ' plays were first performed there, such as 'Knights'. As with the competition at the City Dionysia, five comedies usually competed (except during the Peloponnesian War when only three were staged). When

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3822-500: The ancient Greek religion that include a section on theology and praxis, but without specific reference to philosophers or philosophical movements. Others disagree that theology is a central part of the ancient religion and practice. They argue that since they do not have any dogmas or holy books , theology only relates to philosophical movements such as Epicureanism , and that at the community level, they reject any association with specific philosophical paths. They see any such choice as

3913-471: The beginning of the 15th century who is the link between the ancients and us, and who demonstrates an underground continuation that has never been broken. In one of his invocations to Zeus , Plethon presents him – to the surprise of all who see things statically – as the father of Poseidon and Kronos . The German scholar of the 19th century or modern man, who doesn't even know what tradition means, begins at this point to muse and wonder over Plethon's words. In

4004-414: The child of one of their number by lot and tearing it to pieces, as the women on the mountain did to young animals. A similar story with a tragic end is told of the daughters of Proetus . Not all women were inclined to resist the call of Dionysus, however. Maenads, possessed by the spirit of Dionysus, traveled with him from Thrace to mainland Greece in his quest for the recognition of his divinity. Dionysus

4095-509: The chorus would respond ‘Iacchos, son of Semele, Πλουτοδότης.’ Most of all, the festival appears to be an agrarian one. It was celebrated at a crucial time for propitiating the awakening of nature. Specifically, the grape and wine , symbolised by the god himself, his death and reemergence from the underworld. Though, this was not the time of the grape harvest, but rather when the vines were pruned. The festival may have had rites for women. The coincidence of invoking Iacchus , seen as Dionysus as

4186-498: The contest for tragedy was introduced, two tragedians competed, each presenting two plays. There is no evidence of satyr plays being performed, but dithyrambs were included in the third century BC. Towards the end of the century, the festival's plays were performed in the Theatre of Dionysus (although it is unclear when this location was first used). It is unknown when the Lenaia was abandoned, but contests of some sort continued into

4277-477: The depths of their own minds." During the 18th century, several notable authors and freethinkers embraced Ancient Greek religion to some extent, studying and translating ancient works of theology and philosophy, and in some cases composing original hymns and devotionals to the Ancient Greek pantheon . The English author John Fransham (1730–1810) was one example, considered an eccentric by his peers, who

4368-586: The differences or similarities in their actions are more striking when comparing black figure and red figure pottery, as opposed to maenads and nymphs. A maenad appears in Percy Bysshe Shelley 's poem " Ode to the West Wind ". Maenads, along with Bacchus and Silenus , appear in C. S. Lewis ' Prince Caspian . They are portrayed as wild, fierce girls who dance and perform somersaults. The Bassarids (composed 1964–65, premiered 1966), to

4459-490: The end, many of them come to the crazy conclusion that Plethon must be assessed as a heretic. Though when Plethon's presentation of Zeus as the 'father' of Poseidon and Kronos is compared to the Derveni papyrus (discovered in 1962), Plethon appears less the heretic. The Derveni Papyrus recounts an Orphic cosmology, one in which the world of today is Zeus' creation. The new order of the world arises from Zeus after he swallows

4550-420: The ethics of Aristotle , Stoic philosophy and more. Eusebeia (Εὐσέβεια) is often translated as "piety" or "reverent conduct" (towards gods or parents), "reverence," "respect." Eusebeia is the basic practice of Hellenic Religion, fundamental in every way. Eusebeia is the attitude and practice of showing respect and reverence to the Gods and parents. The Delphic Maxims say "Follow God" ( Έπου θεώ ), "Worship

4641-425: The evolution of maenad depictions on red figure vases. Edwards distinguishes between "nymphs," which appear earlier on Greek pottery, and "maenads," which are identified by their characteristic fawnskin or nebris and often carry snakes in their hands. However, Edwards does not consider the actions of the figures on the pottery to be a distinguishing characteristic for differentiation between maenads and nymphs. Rather,

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4732-1410: The festival and return to their usual lives. The Agrionia was celebrated in several Greek cities, but especially in Boeotia. Each Boeotian city had its own distinct foundation myth for it, but the pattern was much the same: the arrival of Dionysus, resistance to him, flight of the women to a mountain, the killing of Dionysus' persecutor, and eventual reconciliation with the god. The names of the maenads according to various vase paintings were: Anthe ("Flower"), Bacche , Kale ("Beauty"), Kalyke ("Bud"), Choiros ("Pig"), Choro ("Dance"), Chrysis ("Gold"), Kisso ("Ivy"), Klyto , Komodia ("Comedy"), Dorkis , Doro , Eudia ("Calm"), Eudaimonia ("Happiness"), Euthymia ("Good Cheer"), Erophyllis , Galene ("Calm"), Hebe ("Youth"), lo, Kraipale , Lilaia , Mainas , Makaria ("Blessed"), Molpe ("Song"), Myro , Naia , Nymphaia , Nymphe , Opora ("Harvest"), Oinanthe , Oreias ("Mountain-Nymph"), Paidia , Pannychis ("All-night Revel"), Periklymene ("Renowned"), Phanope , Philomela , Polyerate ("Well-beloved"), Rodo ("Rose"), Sime ("Snub-nose"), Terpsikome , Thaleia , Tragoedia ("Tragedy") and Xantho ("Fair-hair"). Eighteen maenads are named in Dionysiaca of Nonnus of Panopolis: § 14.219 Stronger than these then came

4823-465: The god. But, they were not the main focus and are not even mentioned in the texts. However, women are depicted on Attic vases as being close to the process of wine production along with the unmixed wine. Along with that, the satyrs of untamed nature are also found, along with the god himself. In Athens, the festival was originally held in the Lenaion (possibly a theatre outside the city or a section of

4914-439: The gods. Hellenism has historically been a pluralistic religion with beliefs ranging between polytheism , animism and monism , although a Hellenist may hold beliefs that fall into all of these categories. Additionally, there are other interpretations of divinity in line with Hellenistic philosophies, like Epicureanism . Hellenism is, in practice, primarily centered around polytheistic and animistic worship. Devotees worship

5005-497: The gods." Revivalists view the tradition as a living, changing religion. Hellenic Revivalism allows room for practitioners to decide what feels right to them, and to adapt historical religious practices to modern life. Hellenists and other self described pagans/polytheists typically engage in reconstructionism , a methodology that attempts to accurately base modern religious practice on the imitation of culturally and historically genuine examples of ancient religious practices. The term

5096-471: The improvement of all aspects of one's existence. In the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer , "arete" is used mainly to describe heroes and nobles and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage, but it is not limited to this. Penelope 's arete, for example, relates to co-operation, for which she is praised by Agamemnon . The excellence of the gods generally included their power, but, in

5187-407: The intervening centuries, and some claim they were raised in families that practiced this religion. The revival of Hellenic religious identity is typically only part of a larger social movement of re-Hellenizing Greek identity in a comprehensive way, not only religious. This re-Hellenization movement is the current iteration of previous attempts to revive Hellenism. The first to promote such efforts

5278-549: The masterless personal soul, a heightened regard for nature and an interest in supernatural themes, including both magic and Pagan, especially Classical Greek, religion. Many proponents of Romanticism wrote poems inspired by figures of Greek mythology. One example of this is found in the poem " The World Is Too Much with Us " written c.  1802 by William Wordsworth and first published in 1807 in his poetry collection Poems, in Two Volumes . In it, Wordsworth criticises

5369-576: The most important values that people should follow in their everyday lives. Prominent concepts include, but are not restricted to: Eusebeia (piety), Arete (virtue), and Xenia (hospitality). These are rooted in the various ancient Greek values concepts that they look to for guidance and inspiration from the Tenets of Solon , the Delphic maxims , the Golden verses of Pythagoras , Epicurean philosophy ,

5460-459: The most vital picture of the wonderful circumstance in which, as Plato says in the Ion , the god-intoxicated celebrants draw milk and honey from the streams. They strike rocks with the thyrsus, and water gushes forth. They lower the thyrsus to the earth, and a spring of wine bubbles up. If they want milk, they scratch up the ground with their fingers and draw up the milky fluid. Honey trickles down from

5551-600: The mountains at night and practised strange rites. According to Plutarch 's Life of Alexander , maenads were called Mimallones and Klodones in Macedon , epithets derived from the feminine art of spinning wool. Nevertheless, these warlike parthenoi ("virgins") from the hills, associated with a Dionysios pseudanor ("fake male Dionysus"), routed an invading enemy. In southern Greece they were described as Bacchae , Bassarides , Thyiades , Potniades , and other epithets. The term maenad has come to be associated with

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5642-605: The nomenclature of the Hellenic theology." Despite his apparent belief in the Hellenic gods, Fransham does not seem to have been particularly devoted to their worship. According to an 1875 profile in Fraser's Magazine , Fransham's " libations to the Penates found their way down his own throat , and when he sacrificed a fowl to 'Esculapius it was usually in the form of chicken- broth for his supper." Another example of an 18th-century literary figure who may have considered himself

5733-564: The nurses of Dionysos, troops of Bassarids well skilled in their art: Aigle and Callichore, Eupetale and Ione, laughing Calyce, Bryusa companion of the Seasons, Seilene and Rhode, Ocynoe and Ereutho, Acrete and Methe, rosy Oinanthe with Harpe and silverfoot Lycaste, Stesichore and Prothoe; last of all came ready for the fray Trygie too, that grinning old gammer, heavy with wine. Nonnus , Dionysiaca , Book I. Maenads have been depicted in art as erratic and frenzied women enveloped in

5824-484: The participants assumed the strength and character of the god by symbolically eating the raw flesh and drinking the blood of his symbolic incarnation. Having symbolically eaten his body and drunk his blood, the celebrants became possessed by Dionysus. Maenads are found in later references as priestesses of the Dionysian cult. In the third century BC, when an Asia Minor city wanted to create a maenadic cult of Dionysus,

5915-448: The penchant of the equivalent Roman god, Bacchus , to wear a bassaris or fox skin. Often the maenads were portrayed as inspired by Dionysus into a state of ecstatic frenzy through a combination of dancing and intoxication . During these rites, the maenads would dress in fawn skins and carry a thyrsus , a long stick wrapped in ivy or vine leaves and tipped with a pine cone . They would weave ivy-wreaths around their heads or wear

6006-558: The prototypical maenads or "mad women", left their homes to live in the wilds of the nearby mountain Cithaeron . When they discovered Pentheus spying on them, dressed as a maenad, they tore him limb from limb. This also occurs with the three daughters of Minyas , who reject Dionysus and remain true to their household duties, becoming startled by invisible drums, flutes, cymbals, and seeing ivy hanging down from their looms. As punishment for their resistance, they become madwomen, choosing

6097-478: The question of animal sacrifice . Some are fine with the practice, while others do not engage in the practice at all. Some instead offer symbolic food of the animal that is sacrificed instead of the animal, often though not exclusively fruit, bread, or cakes. Worship generally takes the form of prayer , offerings , and setting up altars . Altars serve as the sacred place and focal point of worship to one or more given deities, where offerings and prayers are made to

6188-725: The rebirth of Dionysus after his murder by the Titans . It may have also had some connection with the Eleusinian Mysteries , as some of the same religious officials were involved (such as the Archon basileus and the epimeletai ). These officials led the procession (πομπή pompe ), which probably ended with a sacrifice . The references we have mention a procession and ἀγών held ‘by torchlight,’ where an Eleusian official , originating in Athens, called upon or invoked Dionysus. Then,

6279-569: The relationship between Hellenic ethnic religion and the ancient Greek religion for 'continuity' is difficult as an outsider to the tradition, argued Vlassis G. Rassias : In the 19th century, many, especially German scholars, who were otherwise remarkable scholars, made the huge mistake of reconstructing a theology from the works of Homeros , who is only a poet. Hesiodos , on the other hand, who also engages in theogony , can also be seen as theology. But his works are not set in stone either. We see that when we look at Georgios Gemistos-Plethon , at

6370-749: The religion based on academic sources, rather than the religion itself, and not all Hellenic Polytheists are reconstructionists. Other organizations, such as Dodekatheon ( Δωδεκάθεον ), the Helliniki Hetaireia Archaiophilon (Societas Hellenica Antiquariorum), and the Thyrsos ( Θύρσος ) use a combination of terms interchangeably, including " elliniki thriskia " (" ἑλληνικὴ θρησκεία ", "Hellenic religion"), " Hellenic polytheistic religion ", and " Hellenism. " Other terms in common usage by Hellenic polytheists include "Greek reconstructionism" and "Hellenic Traditionalism," but

6461-480: The religion practiced by the ancient Greeks had been extinguished by the 9th century CE at the latest and that there is little to no evidence that it survived (in public form at least) past the Middle Ages . (In certain isolated areas it survived until the 12th century; see Tsakonia and Maniots .) Greek Dodecatheon member Panagiotis Marinis has claimed that the religion of ancient Greece survived throughout

6552-459: The same to the daughters of Minyas , King of Orchomenos in Boetia, and then turned them into bats. According to Opian, Dionysus delighted, as a child, in tearing kids into pieces and bringing them back to life again. He is characterized as "the raging one" and "the mad one" and the nature of the maenads, from which they get their name, is, therefore, his nature. Once during a war in the middle of

6643-520: The severed phallus , the last act in a series of overthrowings of the ruling figure. In doing this, Zeus contained all things within himself and remade the world and regenerated all the Gods and Goddess once more, being King and 'father' to all things. This aligns with the writings of Plethon. In the Book of Laws, Zeus "existed from all eternity", "not born of any other ... he is self-father [αὐτοπάτορα] ... has no other father than himself ... he

6734-549: The term 'ancient Greek religion' as a catch-all term in Greece, in order to differentiate it from the Orthodox religion which is also sometimes presented as the 'national religion'. Followers of "ancient Greek religion" in Greece argue that the term "ancient" is not appropriate, as they claim their beliefs have been continuously practiced, sometimes secretly, and are still alive today. Ancient Greek religion has manifested itself as 'known religion' (γνωστή θρησκεία) in Greece through

6825-513: The third century BC, the entranced Thyiades (maenads) lost their way and arrived in Amphissa , a city near Delphi. There they sank down exhausted in the market place and were overpowered by a deep sleep. The women of Amphissa formed a protective ring around them and when they awoke arranged for them to return home unmolested. On another occasion, the Thyiades were snowed in on Parnassos and it

6916-459: The thyrsus made of the wood of the ivy, they gird themselves with snakes and give suck to fawns and wolf cubs as if they were infants at the breast. Fire does not burn them. No weapon of iron can wound them, and the snakes harmlessly lick up the sweat from their heated cheeks. Fierce bulls fall to the ground, victims to numberless, tearing female hands, and sturdy trees are torn up by the roots with their combined efforts. Cultist rites associated with

7007-411: The two are not synonymous. The American group Elaion uses the term "Dodekatheism" ( Greek : δώδεκα , dodeka , "twelve" + θεϊσμός , theïsmós , "belief in the gods") to describe their approach to the Hellenic religion, stating that the term "has been used for some time within and outside Greece to refer to ancient Greek religion and we feel that it is important for those of us outside Greece share

7098-582: The two religious names, Hellenic Ethnic Religion and Ancient Hellenic Religion . Hellenic Ethnic Religion is represented by the Supreme Council of Ethnic Hellenes ( Greek : Ύπατο Συμβούλιο των Ελλήνων Εθνικών) while Ancient Hellenic Religion is represented by Ellinais (Hellenic Ancient-Religious Holy Society) ( Greek : ΕΛΛΗΝ.Α.Ι.Σ - Ελλήνων Αρχαιοθρήσκων Ιερόν Σωματείον) Various religious movements reviving or reconstructing ancient Greek religious practices have been publicly emerging since

7189-464: The wine press. Though, whether or not it was a festival for women, or that festival heavily involved them, is still a debate. In Athens , there was no mention of a women's festival. However, that could be due to that women are associated with Dionysus's secret and sacred rites, which wouldn't normally be talked about or made public. Athenian woman probably participated in the nocturnal rites. They may have played an important role in ‘calling’ or invoking

7280-536: The world of the early 19th century as materialistic and as removing itself from nature. Towards the end of the poem, Wordsworth wishes he was a pagan who believes in the Greek gods instead of a Christian even though he considers paganism outdated because he thinks that life would have more meaning that way. As Wordsworth himself put it: Great God! I'd rather be A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn; So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn; Have sight of Proteus rising from

7371-526: The world since one of the main hallmarks is group gatherings and public festival celebrations. Etic observations from a distance by classical scholars, describe contemporary practices as inauthentic and therefore irrelevant or remain open on the issue. British classicist Mary Beard criticized Greek Hellenist worshippers, saying, "until these eager neo-pagans get real and slaughter a bull or two in central Athens, I shan't worry that they have much to do with ancient religion at all", later commented that, "I think I

7462-409: The worship of Hellenic deities , namely the twelve Olympians . Greeks who identify their religion and way of life with Hellenism are commonly referred to as Εθνικοί Έλληνες (Ethnic Hellenes). Non-Greek devotees of the Greek gods who embody Hellenic ideals are commonly referred to as Hellenists. Modern Hellenism is sometimes referred to as a Pagan religion; this classification is also at times used as

7553-533: The worship of the Greek god of wine, Dionysus (or Bacchus in Roman mythology), were characterized by maniacal dancing to the sound of loud music and crashing cymbals, in which the revelers, called Bacchantes, whirled, screamed, became drunk and incited one another to greater and greater ecstasy. The goal was to achieve a state of enthusiasm in which the celebrants' souls were temporarily freed from their earthly bodies and were able to commune with Bacchus/Dionysus and gain

7644-529: Was a moral obligation. Hospitality towards foreign Hellenes honored Zeus Xenios (and Athene Xenia ), patrons of foreigners. In aristocratic circles, as early as the Homeric epics, it was as a sort of fictitious kinship, cemented not only by ties of hospitality and gift exchange but by an obligation to promote the interests of the xenos. Theoxenia is a theme in Greek mythology in which human beings demonstrate their virtue or piety by extending hospitality to

7735-484: Was also referred to as a pagan and a polytheist. In Fransham's 1769 book The Oestrum of Orpheus , he advanced a theology similar to that of the Neoplatonists : that the first cause of existence is uncreated and indestructible, but not intelligent, and that the universe is shaped by "innumerable intelligent powers or forces, 'plastic and designing', who ruled all sublunary affairs, and may most fitly be designated by

7826-678: Was considered for the Catholic papacy twice. In a letter recounting the news of his teacher's death, Bessarion says that Plethon has left to "dance with the Olympian Gods" ( να χορέψει μαζί με τους Ολυμπίους Θεούς ) and honors Plethon by claiming him to be the reincarnation of Plato based on the "teachings of the Pythagoreans and Plato about the endless ascent and descent of souls" ( διδαχές των Πυθαγορείων και του Πλάτωνα περί ατέλειωτης ανόδου και καθόδου των ψυχών ). In 1458, just

7917-403: Was necessary to send a rescue party. The clothing of the men who took part in the rescue froze solid. It is unlikely that the Thyiades, even if they wore deerskins over their shoulders, were ever dressed more warmly than the men. In the realm of the supernatural is the category of nymphs who nurse and care for the young Dionysus, and continue in his worship as he comes of age. The god Hermes

8008-446: Was now king, nor Pentheus' mother Agave, Dionysus' aunt (Semele's sister) acknowledged his divinity. Dionysus punished Agave by driving her insane, and in that condition, she killed her son and tore him to pieces. From Thebes, Dionysus went to Argos where all the women except the daughters of King Proetus joined in his worship. Dionysus punished them by driving them mad, and they killed the infants who were nursing at their breasts. He did

8099-489: Was really responding to the claims made by this group that they were reviving ancient paganism. I am absolutely ok with the idea that religions change. I was reacting to their claims to be a modern version of ancient 'paganism'." American classicist, Sarah Iles Johnston affirmed contemporary practice. "The bricolage and re-imaginings of contemporary Pagans is not entirely different from that of ancient Greek religious culture and that even classical scholars inevitably re-imagine

8190-435: Was said to have danced down from Parnassos accompanied by Delphic virgins, and it is known that even as young girls the women in Boeotia practiced not only the closed rites but also the bearing of the thyrsus and the dances. A possible foundation myth is the ancient festival called Agrionia . According to Greek authors like Plutarch , female followers of Dionysios went in search of him and when they could not find him prepared

8281-541: Was the late Byzantine philosopher Georgios Gemistus Plethon in the 15th century. It was in Mystras , in the Despotate of the Morea , that Plethon formed a 'circle' of students. It is through Plethon and his students that many ethnic Greeks today trace their teachings and practices and give credit for tradition's survival to the present day. Two notable students of Plethon include the historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles and Bessarion . Bessarion, educated in neoplatonism,

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