speusis

Speusis is a term of ancient Greek origin that refers to the ritualistic offering of cooked food to the dead. This practice was common in ancient Greek funerary rites and was believed to nourish and sustain the deceased in the afterlife. The offerings typically consisted of grains, fruits, and other foodstuffs, often prepared in a special way for the occasion. These offerings were usually placed on the tomb or at the burial site as a symbolic act of communion between the living and the dead.

The act of speusis was not merely about providing sustenance; it also held a significant social and religious dimension. It demonstrated the piety and respect of the living towards their ancestors and reinforced the bonds of kinship. The preparation and presentation of the offerings were often elaborate, involving specific rituals and prayers. The belief was that by honoring the dead through these offerings, the living could ensure their favor and protection.

Evidence for speusis comes from various sources, including ancient Greek literature, art, and archaeological findings. Depictions on pottery and tomb inscriptions often illustrate the practice. While the specific customs and ingredients varied across different city-states and time periods, the fundamental concept of offering cooked food to the departed remained a consistent element of Greek funerary traditions for centuries. The practice gradually declined with the rise of new religious beliefs and philosophical ideas.