THESMOPHORIA

Abstract

Ancient Age women were in a social order in which they do not have
any legal rights nor a social status. On the contrary, these women are also at
the forefront in the religious activities. Even some cults were exclusively open
for only women. The best example for this is the rituals, which were done in
the name of Demeter.
The name of Goddess of Earth and fertility –Demeter- originates from the
“Gemeter” that means the Mother Earth. She is from the second generation
of gods and goddesses and daughter of Kronos and Rhea. The offspring of her
relationship with Zeus who is also her brother is called Kore or Persephone. In
the structural context, Demeter is a derivation of Earth and fertility goddesses
of Neolithic times.
The Daughter of Demeter Kore-Persephone was kidnapped by Hades and
became the Goddess of underworld. The original name of the goddess was
Kore, which means the “daughter”. Hades named her “Persephone” after she
became the goddess of the underworld.
The mysteries’ of the Demeter were taped to the myth of Demeter and her
daughter Persephone. The time Demeter remains separated from Persephone
was perceived as winter while the time when she meets Persephone was
perceived as spring.
Thesmophoria is one of the religious rituals, which were organized for
Demeter. Swine sacrificing, fast and purifications were the main rituals of
Thesmophoria.