From Modern Greek Carnivals to the Masks of Dionysos and other Divinities in Ancient Greece
From Modern Greek Carnivals to the Masks of Dionysos and other Divinities in Ancient Greece

Summary/Abstract: According to the modern Greeks: “Carnival without masks is like bread without flour”. Masks have traditionally been an important part of the religious festivals in ancient and modern Greece, particularly at the celebrations which are performed in connection with the most important phases during the agricultural year, first and foremost around spring equinox, when the modern carnival season before the Lenten period has replaced the ancient festivals dedicated to Dionysos, who along with Demeter, was the primary deity of the farmer, but people are also masquerading in the beginning of May before the grain harvest, and later before sowing and in midwinter. One of our ancient sources, Pausanias tells that at the yearly rituals dedicated to Kidarian Demeter, the priest puts on the mask of the goddess, and beats the earth with rods, to wake up the powers of the underworld and make the earth fertile. The article will compare some significant ancient festivals where masks were important with their modern parallels as celebrated during carnival in Greek Macedonia, where I have conducted fieldwork in several villages. I will also explore the power of the mask in general such as in connection with Medusa and other ancient mythical figures, and discuss the importance of masquerading and animal disguise during rites de passages generally, both in the cycle of nature and the life of humans.

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