1. Water and Religion By: Mehmet Aslan

2. Overview Water in Greek Poetry Ancient Rituals and Funeral Rites Rivers of the Underworld (Greek mythology) Group Activities

3. Greek poetry and living fountains! Poems by Apollonides and Antiphanes personification once pure... https://lauradavis.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Samaria-Gorge-Water-Fountain-679x1024.jpg

4. Ancient Rituals and Funeral Rites Aeschylus, “Persians” ritual for safe return Vergil’s, “Aeneid” funeral rites for Misenus boiling water vs cold water http://dcc.dickinson.edu/sites/all/files/VP1502_114_260r_Tree- felling_and_additional_preparation_for_the_funeral_of_Misenus_Aen._6_177-235.jpg

5. Water Rituals Practiced Today Theme of purification continues: Christianity Baptism Judaism Mikvah Islam Wudu and Ghusl

6. Rivers of the Underworld River Styx (Hatred): ferryman transports newly arrived souls miraculous powers Achilles River Lethe (Forgetfulness): “once more revisit the vault above and conceive the desire of return to the body.” reincarnation? River Acheron, River Phlegethon, and River Cocytus elements of torture

7. Discussion Question In pairs across the table: 1)What are some reasons for why water plays such a central role in many religions? (If you can, try building connections between natural philosophy and religion). Group Activity: 1)You will be split into four groups. Each group will create their own ancient ritual and then share it with the class. a)Is your ritual a funeral rite or prayer? b)Walk us through your ritual. c)What is the spiritual and/or physical purpose of water in your ritual?