The City of Elefsina

Elefsina is 20 km away from Athens. It has a population of 24,910 inhabitants. In antiquity, Elefsina, along with Athens, Olympia, Delphi, and Delos, was one of the 5 sacred cities of Ancient Greece. The so-called Sacred Way ended up to Elefsina or else Eleusis. It was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture for the year 2021.

The word Elefsina comes from the verb “I arrive”. That is, the place of arrival, of coming, of presence, of revelation. So, the word Eleusis, with its etymology and myth, signifies the arrival of some significant event, the advent of the wandering Mother Earth, to bring light to spring. In all ancient texts the word Eleusis exists only in connection with goddess Dimitra or the Elefsinian Mysteries. 

Goddess Dimitra

Roman statue of Demeter,
of the Madrid-Capitol type.

Goddess Dimitra in Greek mythology, was an ideal anthropomorphic deity of cultivation and agriculture. She was also the deity of the free vegetation, soil and fertility which she safeguarded and she was also regarded as the protector of human marriage and maternity.

Dimitra and her daughter Persephone were central characters in the Elefsinian mysteries. The abduction of Persephone by Pluto, the god of Hades, resulted in the demise of Demeter. She abandoned Mount Olympus and began wandering black and mute among the people in search of Persephone.

Hades abducting Persephone,
fresco in the small royal tomb at Vergina, Macedonia, Greece

She taught the sons of Keleos, Tryptolemos, Diocles and Evolpos to perform the Elefsinian Mysteries. The grief and rage over Persephone's capture led her to decide not to let any seed sprout on the earth.
After the Zeus’ intervention, Pluto liberated Persephone, but first he gave her six pomegranate seeds to eat; this way he certified her eternal bond with the Lower World. Persephone returned to Demeter and the goddess let the earth blossom again. Since then, Persephone spent six months with Pluto in Hades and six months with her mother on Mount Olympus.

On the left Demeter, wearing the peplos and holding a scepter in her left hand, presents Triptolemus with sheafs of wheat, for him to give them to humanity. On the right Persephone, wearing the chiton and a cloak and holding a torch, blesses Triptolemus with her left hand. Votive relief.

Elefsinian Mysteries

The initiation was aimed at reconciling death and life expectancy after death …

Marmor relief found in the Hieron of Eleusis. According to Otto Rubensohn it shows on the right Demeter sitting on the Agelastos petra (mourning rock). On the left is a group of adorants with a servant maid carrying the mystical ciste on her head.

According to one version of the myth, Dimitra arrived in Elefsina in search of Persephone. She offered grains to the inhabitants and inaugurated the ceremonies and mysteries. In fact, it is said that there was a rock near Kallichoron fountain in Elefsina, called the Ageless Stone, on which Demeter rested. Later the  women of Elefsina used to sing hymns to the goddess near Kallichoron fountain.

Because among the excellent and truly divine institutions Athens has given birth to and brings to humanity, none, in my opinion, is better than these Mysteries. Because through them we have eliminated the barbaric and wild way of life and we have been educated and civilized. And "initiation" as it is called, we actually learned the beginnings of life and gained the power not only to live happy, but also to die with better hope. 

- Cicero, On the Laws, Book B, 36

After World War II, workers from all parts of Greece moved to Elefsina to work in the industries of the area. Industrial activity, however, developed unevenly over antiquities and next to houses. Environmental pollution has taken a large toll. In the 21st century, archaeological history and recent industrialization shaped the image of modern Eleusis. Pollution has also been reduced thanks to citizens' struggles.

Every year in August and September, the festival "Aeschylia" is organized in honor of the great dramatic poet Aeschylus, which includes: literary evenings, sporting events, exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts, film screenings and more.

Goddess Elefsina

(English subs)