Theories of Ritual and Greek Women’s Festivals: The Thesmophoria and the Adonia

This thesis re-examines the evidence relating to two ancient Greek festivals: the Thesmophoria in honour of the goddess Demeter Thesmophoros and the Adonia in honour of the Adonis, the short-lived consort of Aphrodite. Past research has been largely preoccupied with reconstructing a general pattern for the festival; contrary to this, I argue that the festivals must be viewed in their local contexts which allows us to observe considerable variation to their structure and meaning(s). Through the application of a post-structuralist methodology, selectively enhanced with phenomenological premises, I consider both the evolution of these festivals over time and place and, crucially, the impact that these festivals would have had on the women who celebrated them.
 
   To this direction, I use not only the surviving literary evidence regarding these festivals but, also, epigraphic, archaeological, and iconographic evidence where possible. This allows for an additional focus on small details that indicate potential local variation as opposed to merging all of the evidence into a generalised reconstruction. I contend that it is important to recognise that rituals such as these were multifaceted and cannot be fully explained under a single paradigm; instead, an interdisciplinary approach is required in order to reconstruct and interpret these festivals in a manner which brings us closer to how they really worked within their actual historical contexts. From this perspective, my work adds to the ongoing scholarly discussion on the most appropriate theoretical framework by which to examine ancient women’s rituals.
 
   In addition, the theoretical model I have developed emphasises the experience of the ancient participants. Through focusing on the functions that festivals such as the Thesmophoria and the Adonia had in their lives, I hope to shed more light on their importance and enduring popularity amongst ancient Greek women. Important components of my model are a focus on communitas, performativity and phenomenological viewpoints in order to produce a more accurate and well-rounded reconstruction of these festivals. It is essential to note that this model is not designed to shape the ancient evidence into a consistent account that satisfies the modern reader, but to highlight the many, sometimes contradictory, aspects of these festivals in a more realistic manner.