eleusinia

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. In Greek antiquity, the famous Athenian mysteries and festival of Eleusis, symbolizing the various phases of human life in the light of philosophic views as to its eternity, and honoring Demeter (Ceres), Cora (Proserpina), and the local Attic divinity Iacchos ()/Ιακχος) as the especial protectors of agriculture and of all fruitfulness, and the guardians of Athens. Eleusinia, introduced from Athens, were also celebrated in other parts of Greece and Greek lands. See Eleusinian.