Les Nymphes dans les rites du mariage

Abstract

Marriage, where the Nymphs appear both as supernatural powers and as human numphai, is a rich intersection of literary, archaeological and epigraphic data concerning the cult of the Nymphs. Preliminary rites for the Nymphs might consist in proteleia sacrifices, loutrophoria and premarital baths. Nymphs are not usually present during the wedding day, except in those literary texts which cannot be considered as evidence of actual cult practice. Postnuptial offerings might also be made to these deities, as in the sanctuary of the Nymph in Athens, where several loutrophoroi were discovered, or in some Attic caves. Nymphs act primarily through the life-giving and nurturing qualities of fresh water, enhancing the beauty of the numphe, facilitating the transition between the two states, and increasing the fertility of the bride.

Keywords

• nymph
• wedding
• ritual
• prenuptial bath
• loutrophoria
• offering