Abstract

In the present study an age-old tradition of the Greeks is examined. It refers to the choice of a husband through athletic games (weight- lifting-"dokimi", shooting-"semadi", wrestling, swimming, running etc.). After pointing out the presence of similar customs among other peoples, in the beginning the folk games taking place in modern Greece are referred as well as a similar custom, which was kept alive until circa 1940 in two villages of Western Thessaly. Afterwards, the origin of the custom is examined and relevant references are presented from the ancient Greek Mythology (12 cases totally) and history (one case), three references from modern Greek folktales, as well as a testimony from a Byzantine chivalrous novel. Drawing a final conclusion imposes the need for a more systematic research about the survival of the custom. Verf. Referat