Rituals and ceremonies
RITUALS: The Greek people felt that the only ways to appease their gods and bring good fortune were to sacrifice and pray. These could be simple or they be part of an elaborate ceremony but it was almost always carried out upon an altar, often inside a temple. Worshippers came to the altar and sacrificed the animal they had chosen there. They then ate most of the meat, burning the offal (Intestines and internal organs) as an offering to the gods. This process would be accompanied by hymns and prayer.
Additionally, there is evidence that shows that banquets held by Greek princes and nobility would always begin with a sacrifice and prayer. Gods would not just receive ritual sacrifices however, they would also receive festivals. Dionysus, being the god of festivities, wine and ecstasy would typically get more than most other gods. The most well known of these festivals still continues to this day. The Olympic games were created to honour Zeus and in the ancient world, as well as today, were held every 4 years.
Additionally, there is evidence that shows that banquets held by Greek princes and nobility would always begin with a sacrifice and prayer. Gods would not just receive ritual sacrifices however, they would also receive festivals. Dionysus, being the god of festivities, wine and ecstasy would typically get more than most other gods. The most well known of these festivals still continues to this day. The Olympic games were created to honour Zeus and in the ancient world, as well as today, were held every 4 years.