Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/70202
Type: Conference paper
Title: Calypso's Cauldron: The ritual ingredients of early-Byzantine love spells
Author: Sitzler, S.
Citation: Feast, Fast or Famine: Food and Drink in Byzantium / W. Mayer and S. Trzcionka (eds.): pp. 161-170
Publisher: Australian Association of Byzantine Studies
Publisher Place: Virginia, Queensland, Australia
Issue Date: 2005
ISBN: 1876503181
Conference Name: Australian Association for Byzantine Studies. Conference (13th : 2003 : Adelaide, Sth. Australia)
Editor: Mayer, W.
Trzcionka, S.
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Silke Trzcionka
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.
Description: Also cited as a journal article: Byzantina Australiensia, 2005; 15:161-170
Rights: © 2005 Australian Association for Byzantine Studies
Description (link): http://home.vicnet.net.au/~byzaus/conferences/13thabstracts.html
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