Origins and festivals

Demeter was the daughter of Cronos and Rhea, who were Titans. She watched over all aspects of farming, including plowing, planting, and harvesting. Because these jobs were typically done by women in ancient Greek society, Demeter was often worshiped by women. Many festivals were associated with Demeter. Some of them were small and took place during the harvest, while others were large and involved sacrifices, dancing, music, and mysterious temple ceremonies.

The legend of Demeter

The main story associated with Demeter was used by the Greeks to explain the changing of the seasons. Demeter's daughter Persephone was wandering in a meadow picking flowers. Hades, the god of the underworld, was drawn to her beauty and wanted her to be his wife. Suddenly the Earth opened up near Persephone and Hades pulled her into his chariot. He took her away to the land of the dead to be his queen. When Demeter found out that Persephone was missing, she was overcome by grief. She searched everywhere for Persephone. Finally, Helios, the sun god, told Demeter that Persephone was in the underworld with Hades. Upon hearing this news, Demeter angrily rejected her place with the gods on Mount Olympus and went to live on Earth.

Demeter, disguised as an old woman, lived among humans for one year. During that time nothing grew. Farmers worked in the fields but could not get seeds to sprout. Earth was in ruins. Zeus, the chief god, saw that something must be done or humankind would starve. One by one the gods visited Demeter, trying to convince her to allow crops to grow again. Demeter refused. She said that as long as Persephone was gone, the earth would not bear fruit.

Zeus knew there was only one solution. He ordered Hermes, the messenger god, to go to the underworld and get Persephone. Hades did not want to let her go, but he understood that Zeus's orders must be obeyed. Persephone and Demeter were overjoyed to be together again. As they shared their stories with each other, Zeus sent Demeter another message. Because Persephone had eaten a pomegranate seed while in the underworld, she would always be connected to the land of the dead. Therefore, for two parts of the year Persephone would live with her mother, but for one part of the year she must return to Hades. Thus Demeter lost her daughter for four months every year. When Persephone was gone, Demeter refused to let anything grow, and winter fell over the Earth. But when Persephone returned in the spring, Demeter caused all the plants to bloom in celebration.