TIMING:

23 Anthesterion, 28 Jan 2000, last quarter

THEME:

Zeus Meilichios, aversion of poverty and other evils

HISTORY / LORE:

The purpose of the Diasia is to appeal to Zeus Meilichios (kindly one) to drive away Keres (evil spirits), especially the Kere of poverty. As with most sacrifices to avert evil, the sacrifice at this festival is not shared and are burnt completely or buried completely. Since most people couldn't afford to sacrifice a complete animal, most sacrifices at the Diasia are bloodless and usually consist of cakes in the shape of animals. This type of substitution happens frequently and is apparently unnoticed by the deities or spirits, but you must sacrifice what you can afford.

DECORATING IDEAS:

make the location look as poor as possible so it appears you really need help.

GARMENTS:

rags, ill-fitting and mismatched clothes

RITUAL CUP:

rosehip tea as it is the color of blood or wine and is inexpensive.

RITUAL FOODS:

sausages or stews. Unlike other festivals, the food for people is not sacrificed and the sacrifice is not shared with people.

ACTIVITIES:

crafts and projects that show how to do more with less resources such as mending clothes, repairing broken items or vegetable gardening.

SOURCES:

• Burkert, Walter (1985) "Greek Religion". Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press
• Cooper, J.C. (1990) "The Dictionary of Festivals". Hammersmith, London: HapersCollinsPublishing
• Parke, H.W. (1977) "Festivals of the Athenians". Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press