A Weekend gathering, though you can stay longer if you want to. Persephone is the ancient Greek Goddess of Spring. The Romans also had a goddess of Spring called Flora and most Spring myths have to do with flowers. Persephone was carried into the underworld by Hades while picking narcissus, but she returned in the Spring and when she did so her mother, Demeter, to whom Eleusis is dedicated, permitted the world to come back to life. There was also a North European goddess of Spring called Ostara or Oestre from whom Easter is named, related to the Greek Eos, goddess of dawn and of awakening. Eos was cursed by Aphrodite to be forever falling in love, insatiably, with men. So as this weekend more or less marks the beginning of spring, anybody who would like to come to Eleusis is very welcome to come and celebrate the return of life. There is no cost for this event, just make a donation to cover catering etc.
Picture: © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons
Comments
Dear Dharmavidya,
Many thanks for inviting me to this weekend with the option of staying on for a while longer. I'm sorry I can't make it. Once again there is a clash with Ruth and I booked to go to Vince in the French Pyranees. It coincided with another event last year, I believe! I really do want to visit at some time - Eleusis sounds absolutely up my street! NAB