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Abstract: In agricultural societies, fertility rituals and death rituals are used to secure crops. They are important in connection both with dead ancestors and with water. In both past and present socieites, and all over the world, the living depend on a deceased mediator’s successful communication with the chthonic powers to ensure the fertility of the earth. The farmer also needs sufficient water, and rituals to secure it are also widespread. Agriculture was key to the ancient Greek economy, and all festivals sought animal, vegetable, and human offspring. In modern Greece religious festivals are still celebrated to secure food. ⸙