Thesmophoria

Paper Summary:

The paper analyzes theories presented of the festival of Thesmophoria and Haloa. In many cases the modernity of feminine perspectives has helped to bring about a newer, more pragmatic solution of the status of women had in Greek society. The paper looks at the important studies carried out by Lucia Nixon, which examines the possible medicinal power of plants used in ritual that gave women the power to control fertility even unto the birth of the child.

From the Paper:

"This religion study will analyze the ancient Greek female festival of Thesmophoria in relation to the many complex and differential critical views that scholars have crated regarding the Grecian religious right. In this view, the more traditional critical view of the festival as 'fertility' rite has been challenged due to the patriarchal constructs of the Elysian mysteries in relation to the goddess Demeter. Furthermore, the issue theology plays a large role in negating the need for the festival, since the societal construct of women in Greek society seems to negate the positive role of Thesmophoria. In essence, by investigating the primary document of the Haloa, one can realize a modern view of how the Thesmophoria truly portrayed an image of power through femininity within ancient Greek religious traditions. From a more traditional vantage point Lucia Nixon provides the..."

More papers on Thesmophoria:

• Research Paper # 146762 : "Women's Roles During the Thesmophoria Festivall?"
• Comparison Essay # 103939 : "Gender Roles of Women in Greek and Roman Cultures"
• Research Paper # 99784 : "Women in Ancient Greece"

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