Thesmophoria

This is really good -I found something cool on Wikipedia.  As soon as I get a job, I must donate since I find so much on Wikipedia.

Here is what I found:  "

1. ^ "Pig bones, votive pigs, and terracottas, which show a votary or the goddess herself holding the piglet in her arms, are the archaeological signs of Demeter sanctuaries everywhere."(Burkert p 242).".    -From the Wikipedia page, Thesmophoria.

This page offers a good explanation why Islam forbids eating pork.  Maybe also Judaism - I mean, maybe those that believed in one God gave up pork in an effort to turn people away from the old religions of polytheism.

Anyway, the page about Thesmophoria gives some ideas about the Greek version of "agrarian magic" from ancient times.  I think these traditions of agrarian magic were widespread, not limited to Ancient Greece.  I keep remembering my friends in Adana, Turkey.  They told me that on Friday the men go to the mosque, and the women go to the cemetary.  Which suggests to me a very ancient tradition, although I can't prove it.

I got a letter from the author of the book, The Dancing Goddesses.  I will try to write about it next time.  I'm so delighted!