Calypso's Cauldron: The ritual ingredients of early-Byzantine love spells
Date
2005
Authors
Sitzler, S.
Editors
Mayer, W.
Trzcionka, S.
Trzcionka, S.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
Feast, Fast or Famine: Food and Drink in Byzantium / W. Mayer and S. Trzcionka (eds.): pp. 161-170
Statement of Responsibility
Silke Trzcionka
Conference Name
Australian Association for Byzantine Studies. Conference (13th : 2003 : Adelaide, Sth. Australia)
Abstract
In the Greco-Roman world there were charms to increase charisma and affection, viagra potions, aphrodisiacs, spells that led their victim to the instigator, and binding spells that made certain of the impediment of rival suitors or even a third party in a love triangle. Food, drink, and spices played an integral part in the supernatural rituals which aided these "romantic" intentions. Apples could be thrown at a potential mate, the aphrodisiac properties of wine could be utilised for seduction, and various simple or elaborate offerings of food and spices could be presented to eros in order to drive an individual wild with lust. This paper will discuss such uses of food and drink in Byzantine rituals of desire. Furthermore it will consider these actions within their social context, focussing particularly on aspects of gender. Thus it will be proposed that in both the ritualised ingredients and actions of desire can be seen a reflection, and even inversion, of social perceptions and expectations of feminine and masculine behaviour.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Also cited as a journal article: Byzantina Australiensia, 2005; 15:161-170
Access Status
Rights
© 2005 Australian Association for Byzantine Studies