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When were the Lesser Mysteries and Greater Mysteries held in the Greek calendar?
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mystery religion
Painted Greek vase showing a Dionysiac feast, 450–425 bc; in the Louvre, Paris.
The Eleusinian Mysteries, which were secret religious rites of ancient Greece, were held in two distinct stages during the year:
- Lesser Mysteries: These were held annually at Agrai on the stream of Ilissos in the month of Anthesterion (February–March).1
- Greater Mysteries: These were celebrated annually at Eleusis in the month of Boedromion (September–October).1
It is important to distinguish these rites from the Eleusinia, a separate festival honoring Demeter that featured games and contests held every two years, typically in the month of Metageitnion (August–September).2