Written by Fiona Macrae
If one day you are invited to attend a symposion, what should you expect? Assuming that you are also in fifth Century Athens, then you could turn to comic playwright Aristophanes for help. In his play Wasps (422), the socially adept Bdelycleon teaches his father Philocleon how to behave at a dinner party (1122-1263). Rather like elite dinners today where one ought to use the correct spoon for a grapefruit and pass the port anti-clockwise around the table, there were rules of etiquette to be followed at the symposia of the Athenian elite.
Firstly, the appropriate attire. What should you wear for a night on the polis? Try accessorising your finest chiton with these garments Bdelycleon gives his father:
- A cloak – Specifically, a thick tasselled Persian cloak. These are all the rage amongst the well-travelled youths of Athens who did their gap-year in Sardis and it will show that you are cultured and worldly. The cloak is hand-woven and very heavy, so your emotional-support hoodie is not necessary. It acts like a weighted blanket!
- Kinky boots – Well, not quite. The fashionable boots of the day were red strappy boots called ‘Λακωνικαί’ or ‘Spartans’. If you lack this specific brand, try to wear the style that your mortal enemy likes to wear (this is a very important detail). Perhaps raid your sibling’s wardrobe.
We are accustomed to bringing a bottle of wine or some flowers for hosts of modern dinner parties, but it is quite tricky to lug an amphora of unmixed wine across Athens in your finery. So, what do you bring with you?
- Food – Yes, that is right – you would often be expected to bring your own main course, breadsticks, and wine! Despite the rules and regulations, a symposion was really just an early iteration of the potluck. But do not be too upset – your host will provide the puddings, plates and performers.
Secondly, deportment. How should you carry yourself whilst attending such an occasion? Naturally, you don’t want to fall flat on your face, or break wind in front of an important dignitary, but focusing on these simple things will show you to your best advantage:
- Walking – Forget trying to walk with a book balanced on your head, instead, sashay like you are slaying on Drag Race.
- Sitting – The diners at a symposion would recline on couches while they ate. This is an awkward posture for modern foodies, but grace must be achieved. Our etiquette guide, Bdelycleon, suggests that you be liquid-like and flow over the sofa. The more languishing you can do, the better!
- Pleasantries – One thing that has not changed in two and a half thousand years is that we must pay polite, menial compliments to the host about their home. Suggested objects of praise include bronzes, the ceiling, and tapestries.
Beyond the pleasantries, what activities would you be expected to take part in? Party games can make or break a gathering, so being familiar with the rules is important.
- Storytelling – Tell stories of your greatest exploits; do not make crass jokes about your mate Dave who got really drunk that one time, but rather recall anything you would proclaim in a job interview. Bdelycleon suggests recounting a diplomatic mission you have made up to make yourself look better, but we could also turn to Plato’s Symposium, in which Aristophanes himself offers up a tale about the nature of mankind and Love (189c-193d). That ought to be much more engaging!
- Singing – Just as we need to know all the words to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift to survive any social setting these days, you must know the popular songs at a symposion. If your host Cleon starts singing and then hands you a sprig of myrtle, don’t panic! This is ‘capping’, a sort of call and response song where you must come up with a response to the opening lines. One opening verse could be “With a sprig of myrtle I shall carry my sword like Harmodios and Aristogeiton”, and you should respond with a verse about killing the tyrant Hipparchus. For example, “Who killed the tyrant and made equal rights in Athens” (Carm. Conv. 893) or “when at the festival of Athena they were killing the tyrant man Hipparchus” (Carm. Conv. 895).
- Drinking – After all, symposion means drinking together! However, you have probably realised that this is no regular student flat party, so drunken fights and dancing are not approved (at elite symposia, at least!). Instead, just relax and let the wine get to your head – moderation is key.
Now you are as ready as you can be to go out to a symposion. Good luck! With these rules in mind, you cannot go far wrong. Or at least that is what Bdelycleon thought when he instructed his father. . .
Featured image credit: Symposium scene Nicias Painter by Marie-Lan Nguyen. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Symposium_scene_Nicias_Painter_MAN.jpg
Retrospect Journal 
