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Eleusina - Lesina - Hvar

Nives Tomasović

Abstract

This article amplifies the theory about the origin and meaning of the historical name of the island and the town of Hvar, Lesina. The explanation is based on the epithet applied to the Virgin, “Eleusa”. Since the “Eleusis” or Elefsina was an epithet of the Greek goddess Demeter, patroness of the earth and also of sailors and sailing, the origin of the name Lesina is further explained by the syncretic transformation of Demeter’s epithet Ελευσίνα (Eleusis) - into Ελεούσας (eleusa), so that Eleusina becomes Merciful. The name Lesina therefore indicates a continuity of the divine patroness of seafaring cults, ensuring basic needs and spiritual refreshment for the seafarers who have anchored in the port of Hvar since time immemorial. The name also indicates the connection between the material remains of the cult of Demeter and Kore Eleusinas from the Greek period on the island with the deeply-rooted systems of piety inherited from the customs of the ancient ages.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

129862

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/129862

Publication date:

26.11.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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