Libations

          This is an image of a woman pouring out libations, found on the inside of a kylix, which is a type of cup used to drink wine in Ancient Greece. This particular kylix is from Attic Greece and dates back to the 5th century BCE. In the image, an elegantly dressed woman is pouring out libations onto a flaming altar. 

            This ritual act, illustrated in the image, demonstrates how the ancient people incorporated food and drink into their religion and used food and drink to develop their relationship with the gods. The pouring of libations was a traditional way for people to pay homage to the gods. This often occurred before celebrations and banquets, such as the symposium. It is significant that, during these celebrations, the people were aware of their religion and would start off the event by paying their respects to their gods and asking for their favor.  Delight Tolles makes the point that “These libations poured at banquets were offerings made by people who had gathered primarily for their own pleasure, but who did not ignore the gods of traditional theology” (38). Although the people came together for fun and entertainment, they were sure to honor their gods first, which is very telling about the people’s close relationship with their gods. It is also significant that, in order to establish this relationship further, the people poured out wine as an offering, which was a drink that they greatly depended on. Wine was a huge part of their culture. This act of libation serves as an example of food and drink used by people as an offering to develop their relationship with the gods.