The Eleusinian Mysteries

Although we spoke briefly about the Eleusinian mysteries in class, we did not go into what all they entailed. Dr. Sexon mentioned that little is known about the religious practices that occurred in the city of Eleusis because everthing was kept very secretive. He did, however, say that he believed that three things were done during the ritual. Something was said, done, and seen. The thing that he belives was said was "rain, concieve." That which was done, according to Dr. Sexon, was a reinactmen of the abduction of Persephony. And lastly, that which was seen was an ear of corn or a stalk of wheat. Whether this is exactly what happened we will probably never know for sure. I was curious to see what else is known, or at least thought to be known about the mysteries.

To begin with, the Eleusinian Mysteries were held annualy in Eleusis, Greece. They were held in celebration of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Although the followers were extremely widespread, their practices and beliefs were kept very secretive. Much of what we know about them today is based on what is said in literature of the time, portrayed in artwork and on pottery, and found in the ruins.

One thing that we do know for sure is that the celbration of the Eleusinian Mysteries took place over nine days in September and were very elaborate. There were specific rituals and sacrifices associated with each day as well. Before the celebratios began all initiates had to cleans and purify themselves in the ocean as well as scrifice a piglet. Things such as these that were done outside of the temple are those that are known. However, that which was done inside the temple has remained for the most part a sectret. Once Christianity became widespread it condemned the Eleusinian Mysteries and practices, and it is because of this that a religion and set of practices that lived for thousands of years died out.



Here are a couple of links that present futher and more in depth information that I found helpful/interesting:

http://users.erols.com/nbeach/eleusis.html

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/e/eleusinian_mysteries.html

http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/e/eleusinian_mysteries.html