Hellenismos allows for a wide range of variety, even in its most traditional forms. Having said that, though, there are indeed traditional forms. This page is intended to present a concise break-down a few of the most basic forms known from ancient sources in a meaningful way for modern practice. More detailed information may be found in such resources as Walter Burkert's Greek Religion, which was used as a reference text in the preparation of this page (and much of the rest of this site). The information on this page depends heavily on Chapter II, "Ritual and Sanctuary".

Some of the most basic forms in traditional Hellenismos are the Communal Feast, First Fruits, Libations, Personal Devotions, and the Votive Offering. I present them here in a fairly generic way, because what works for me out in the country with a lake and lots of trees is going to be different from what works for someone in an apartment in the middle of a major city.

Communal Feast

In ancient times, the communal feast was often celebrated with a community-wide sacrifice. One or more animals were killed in a special way and shared among the people and the Gods. For numerous reasons, the ritual killing of animals for the communal feast is seldom, if ever, practiced today. Even in its most traditional form, the human participants generally received the edible parts, and the Gods were given the inedible parts of no use to people. And, as with many things in Hellenic culture, there is a story explaining how this interesting arrangement came about.

Prometheus was a clever Titan who had created the race of Man (Woman came later, according to myth.). Man treated him with considerable respect, and he showed Man favor at great personal expense. There was a feast at which Man was to present the Gods with an ox, which would be shared in a communal feast. Prometheus came up with a way to make sure that Man would get the better end of the deal by use of cunning. He had Man separate the animal in a certain way, and he presented Zeus with two choices. One choice was filled with bones and other inedibles, but was prepared to look very attractive. The part with the edible portions was made to look unappealing. Zeus chose the attractive portion inedible to humans.

In outrage upon discovery of the trick, he declared that no more would Man and Gods feast together in this way. Because oaths in Hellenism are strictly binding, the feasts continue and do so according to the terms to which Zeus agreed. So Man gets the edible part of the feast, offering the inedibles to the Gods, but we can no longer feast in the physical presence of the Gods. Even though significant details, such as the slaying of the animal at the time of the feast, are highly uncommon in our society, the communal feast is still celebrated, and the Gods are offered the inedible portions.

Both in ancient times and today, local custom can vary in the particulars of how the communal feast is celebrated. In its most bare sense, hymns are still sung to the Gods and the inedible portion is still set aside and given to the Gods in an appropriate way. Much information is available for those who wish to reconstruct the traditional forms of the feast, fortunately. And variations, such as offering food to charity, are common among modern Hellenists.

First Fruits

The First Fruits offering is a form of gift offering. The name is suggestive of a gift of the first fruit gathered in a harvest, which is actually quite traditional. Hospitality is an important facet of ethics in Hellenismos, and appropriate giving is a key element of hospitality. Since the Gods are looked upon as the "first" Givers of Good, they are offered the first gift. This is often as simple as pouring them the first sip of wine, setting aside their portion of food first, etc.

Libation

Libations are the offering of a poured liquid, and was once among the most common sacraments in Hellenismos. Wine, honey, oil, and water are common libation liquids. In one type of libation, the sponde, the libation is a controlled pouring from a hand-held jug or bowl, usually before the Hellenist consumes any of the liquid. Another type, the choe (most commonly associated with libations for the dead and Chthonic Gods), involves a larger container, which is tipped and emptied. There is a great deal of lore and history surrounding libations, which play an important role in Hellenic piety.

Personal Devotions

Personal devotions span a wide range of practice, from leaving a coin for Hermes at the juncture of roads to the establishment of household shrines. Certain customs have been fairly set in given times and places, such as prescribed daily devotions to various deities on the Classical Athenian liturgical calendar (still observed by many today). Individuals and households commonly make devotional offerings to one or more patron deities, with whom a special relationship is cultivated. Offerings may include incense, libations, candles, food at mealtimes, and a host of other arrangements.

Votive Offering

Aside from an offering which would be unacceptable to a deity, almost anything may be offered as a votive. In Hellenismos, a votive offering is a promised offering of a certain kind. A vow is made in a ceremonial way before witnesses (assuming witnesses are available, of course) that if the God will give the gift of a certain outcome, the person making the vow will then make a certain offering. The votive offering is specific and binding.