PANATHENAIC FESTIVAL Meaning and
Definition
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The Panathenaic Festival refers to an ancient Greek celebration held in Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city's patron deity. This festivity occurred once every four years, with the main events taking place on the 28th of Hekatombaion, the Attic calendar's first month. The festival encompassed various rituals, religious ceremonies, athletic competitions, and cultural activities.
At the heart of the Panathenaic Festival was the Panathenaic procession. This grand parade involved the citizenry, conveying a richly adorned peplos, or garment, to the goddess Athena within the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis. The peplos was traditionally handwoven by noble Athenian women and represented a tribute to the goddess. The procession also featured musicians, dancers, and participants showcasing their skills.
Additionally, the Panathenaic Festival featured competitive contests, notably the Panathenaic Games. These games included athletic events, such as foot races, wrestling, boxing, chariot races, and horse races. Winners were awarded with valuable prizes, such as vases filled with olive oil, which held great significance in ancient Greek culture.
The cultural aspect of the festival included music performances, drama presentations, poetry recitals, and choreographed dances. These artistic endeavors aimed to honor Athena's creative attributes and offer entertainment to the attendees.
The Panathenaic Festival held great importance in Athenian society, serving as both a religious and civic celebration. It fostered a sense of unity and pride among Athenians, reinforcing their cultural identity and showcasing their achievements. The festival endured for centuries, leaving a significant mark on Greek history and providing insight into the sophisticated civilization of Athens.
Etymology of PANATHENAIC FESTIVAL
The word "Panathenaic" is derived from two Greek words: "pan" meaning "all" or "every", and "Athena" which refers to the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law, justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill.
Meanwhile, the term "festival" comes from the Latin word "festa", which means "holiday" or "feast".
When combined, the term "Panathenaic festival" specifically refers to the grand festival celebrated in ancient Athens in honor of the goddess Athena.
