libation

(noun)

The act of pouring a liquid or liquor, usually wine, either on the ground or on a victim in sacrifice, in honor of some deity.

Related Terms

Examples of libation in the following topics:

  • Offerings

    • For offerings of liquids (beverages) by pouring, the term libation is used.

  • Sacrifices

    • Animal sacrifice offered together with libation in Ancient Greece.

  • The Ancient Greek Gods and Their Temples

    • Patrons would leave offerings for the gods, such as small votives, large statues, libations or costly goods.

  • Mycenaean Metallurgy

    • A silver rhyton called the Silver Siege Rhyton was likely used for ritual libations.

  • Etruscan Bronze Sculpture

    • The figure probably held a patera (libation bowl) in his extended right hand, and a spear in the left.

  • The Assyrian Culture

    • On one panel, Israelites led by king Jehu of Israel pay tribute and bow in the dust before king Shalmaneser III, who is making a libation to his god.