day 6 part two: initiation night one: porch of philo

after libations and sacrifices the initiates during the dark of night all piled into the telesterion. This structure could fit roughly 3000 people when in use and it consisted of 5 rows of 5 pillars, and the outside perimeter had seats that inclined down. This was to ensure those at the top could see over the ones in the front. In the center of this square structure was the Anaktoron, which was the small chapel where it is said Demeter dwelled and the sacred objects held. On night one reconstruction is hazy but from ancient sources we can ascertain that the room once settled was hushed to an eery quiet, and torches extinguished making the scenery extremely dark. What ensued here was based on the Homeric Hymn to Demeter. The three highest officials of the mysteries would re-enact the abduction, searching for, and eventual finding of the maiden(Kore)Persephone. In darkness, both inside and out of the telesterion, the initiates would yell calls for her. A terrible frightening experience with thousands of others with not much but a single torch to light the way. After a time spent 'looking' for the maiden, a loud gong would 'boom' and a large fire light from the top of local buildings would erupt signifying she had been found. This move from tranquility, to chaos and confusion, to catharsis, would have had a dramatic effect on the participants.