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Customs in Ancient Greece

Associated with September

Date 24 September 2021

Did you know?! September was known as "Voidromion" in Ancient

Greece and it was actually the 3rd month in the Attic calendar! It
corresponded to the period August 23 - September 22. The
Ancients had many customs and traditions associated with this
month, many of which still survive today.

Thesmophoria, the ancient Greek custom. Credit: Francis Davis Millet [Public domain]

One of the customs was the hanging of pomegranate fruits and branches in various places of the house. The
breaking of pomegranate was considered a source of luck and happiness to all members of the family. This
custom still survives in Greece today. But in ancient times, it had a second symbolism: it could also keep the
Grim reaper away! The Grim Reaper, or Charos, or Death, would write in his notebook who would die next.
Smashing a pomegranate at your front door would keep the Reaper away!

Another custom in Ancient Greece connected to September was the sprinkling of water in houses, crops and
animals, which the mother of the family took from the well before the sun rises. People also drank from this
water, believing that they would be healthy and would be saved from Charos! For this reason, in some areas,
this water was called "the immortal water".
 The harvest of the vines gave the month of September the nickname “Harvester”. Many festivals in antiquity
during this month were in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, It was also a month dedicated to Persephone
and her mother Demeter, the Goddesses responsible for the changing of seasons which come and go
depending on the mood of the Mother who lost her daughter to the Underworld after she was kidnapped by
the god Hades. This myth gave birth to the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most secretive religious rites in Ancient
Greece. The Mysteries began on the 15th and lasted for 9 days.

Related Tour

Unlocking the
Eleusinian Mysteries
Private Tour
Learn more

Waiting on the first rains,

wishing the summer goodbye,
September is here,
with festivities and wine!

See more:

How Athens got its name The name-giving myth

The Hills of Athens and the Myths Connected to them

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convey our knowledge and Greek values through unique tours and experiences. Through our blog, we hope to bring
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