About
Anthesteria was an Athenian festival of flowers, new wine and the dead in honour of Dionysus. On the first day the jars of the autumn's wine were opened, on the second there was a drinking contest and children received little jugs, and on the third a pot of mixed grains was cooked for Hermes of the Underworld. Spirits of the dead were believed to wander during the festival and were sent away at its close.
Customs
- Opening and tasting the new wine (Pithoigia)
- Giving small decorated jugs to young children (Choes)
- Crowning cups and children with spring flowers
- Cooking a pot of mixed grains and pulses for Hermes and the dead (Chytroi)
- Sending the spirits away at the end with the words 'Out of the door, Keres, it is no longer Anthesteria'
Food
- New wine or grape juice
- A pottage of mixed grains, beans and honey
- Spring greens
- Bread and cheese
A simple ritual
- Decorate your table with the first spring flowers you can find.
- Pour a cup of wine or grape juice and offer the first sip to Dionysus.
- Cook a simple pot of mixed grains or lentils and set a spoonful aside for Hermes and the dead.
- Light a candle safely and remember those you have lost.
- At the end of the evening, open the door and kindly bid any wandering spirits farewell.
- Close the door, put out the candle and place the offering outside.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.