Blog Post 3

In Lysistrata, it is prevelent that the greek culture holds certain customs and doings to a high standard. The culture demonstrates gender values (such as women taking care of the family), what to do in times of war, and how to "seal a deal." One of the most stressed importances within Lysistrata is during the oath all the women take, after their agreement to pledge abstinence. After the intial promise of resisting from sex, Lysistrata proposes that the women "slaughter a sheep and swear on a shield" (pg. 29). The women all are dumbfounded at this proposition because, according to Kleonike, "you do not swear an Oath for Peace on a shield" (pg. 30): that would be extremely ironic. The women continue to decide on what should they take an oath, finally deciding on a cup of wine. This level of attention to detail the women show when figuring out what to pledge an oath on, reemphasizes the importance of traditions within the Greek culture.
http://www.greeka.com/greece-culture/traditions/
The article above discusses how important different traditions and superstitions are in Greek culture. Things such as catching the evil eye from jealousy and having bad luck on Tuesday the 13th are just a few to name. Prior to reading more onto traditions the Greek hold to high value (which i thought were silly), i didn't understand why Lysistrata and the other women were so worried about what to swear on--rather than the actual task at hand.  The Greek culture is clearly evoked in Lysistrata at this instance as well as many others throughout the play. I wasnt able to fully understand the traditions of Greek's (because the United States westernized culture isn't as structures) but from further reading of the play as well as other articles, it became clear.