How is Hellenism practiced today?

Hellenism is, in practice, primarily centered around polytheistic and animistic worship. Devotees worship the Greek gods, which comprise the Olympians, divinities and spirits of nature (such as nymphs), underworld deities (chthonic gods) and heroes. Both physical and spiritual ancestors are greatly honored.

Do people still practice Hellenic polytheism?

Yes. Ther are several groups in Greece who have returned to the practice. Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, or the Hellenic pantheon, including the Olympians, nature divinities, underworld deities (chthonic gods) and heroes.

Does Hellenistic culture live on today?

The culture of Greece was evolved over thousands of years, and is widely considered to be the cradle of modern Western culture. Whether it be astrology, mathematics, biology, engineering, medicine or linguistics, nearly all of the information we take for granted today was first discovered by the ancient Greeks.

Why was the Hellenistic age important?

During the Hellenistic period, Greek cultural influence and power reached the peak of its geographical expansion, being dominant in the Mediterranean world and most of West and Central Asia, even in parts of the Indian subcontinent, experiencing prosperity and progress in the arts, astrology, exploration, literature.

How does the Greek alphabet influence us today?

The Greek alphabet is still used today. It is even used in the United States where Greek letters are popular as mathematical symbols and are used in college fraternities and sororities. The Greeks learned about writing and the alphabet from the Phoenicians. They also assigned some of the letters to vowel sounds.

How did the Hellenic culture spread throughout the Europe and Asia?

Alexander spread Greek culture throughout the Persian Empire, including parts of Asia and Africa. Alexander respected the local cultures he conquered, and allowed their customs to continue. Alexander himself embraced local customs, wearing Persian clothes and marrying Persian women.

How is paganism practiced?

Religious practices Most pagans worship the old pre-Christian gods and goddesses through seasonal festivals and other ceremonies. Observance of these festivals is very important to pagans, and those in hospital will generally wish to celebrate them in some form.

How did paganism spread?

Paganism today grew from the new outlooks of the Renaissance period (1500) and the Reformation (1600s), through the revival of druidry and folk custom in Europe, the witchhunts of the 19th Century and explosion of interest in world religions in the sixties and seventies.