article

Power through submission in the Anastenaria: Loring M. Danforth

Journal of modern Greek studies1 (1) • Published In 1983 • Pages: 203-223

By: Danforth, Loring M..

Abstract
This is a paper on a woman's healing cult and ritual called ANASTENARIA. In the ritual women are possessed by St, Constantine, walk on fire, and perform curing rites. In Greece's patricentric rural society, women must show deference to their spouses in public to maintain family honor. Women gain power and prestige through the cult, far beyond what they could obtain restricted as they are to the private realm of home and family. The cult allows women to enter a public sphere and form extra-domestic relationships. Danforth argues that one reason men accept the cult and the freedom it gives women is because the possessing spirit is male.
Subjects
Gender status
Household
Family relationships
Social control
Magical and mental therapy
Revelation and divination
Congregations
culture
Greeks
HRAF PubDate
2003
Region
Europe
Sub Region
Southeastern Europe
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1975-1976
Coverage Date
1975-1976
Coverage Place
Ayia Eleni, Serres, Macedonia, Greece
Notes
Special Issue: Women and men in Greece : a society in transition
Includes bibliographical references (p. 222-223)
LCCN
84642094
LCSH
Greece