1.Worship of nature
- The great Mother Goddess was the personification of nature
- Animals and plants emphasizing harmonious curves, taken from the observation of nature, were the most usual depictions on vases, frescos, jewels, sealstones.
- The Minoans chose natural caves (like KAMARES CAVE) and peaks of mountains, rather than imposing temples, for their religious ceremonies.

2. Freedom- peace
- The airy and free design of Minoan decoration shows clearly the character of the period (after the Mycenaean takeover we see a much more rigid and geometricized style.)
- The impressionistic depiction of figures reflects the freedom of Minoan artists to express their personal emotions (despite the realistic decoration which was used by all civilizations of that period)
- It is very rare to find war scenes in Minoan art. We only find types of weapons (such as double axes) which ware also religious symbols.

3. Delicacy and elegance
-The architecture of Minoan palaces gives priority to convenience and cheerful environment (bright and bold colors) rather than the contrasting “heavy” Mycenaean architecture with its “Cyclopean walls”.
- Minoan creations of art give the undeniable feeling of delicacy.

4. Equality of the sexes-Respect for women
- Participation of women in athletics, in demonstrations of worship and in public shows.
- Delicate dresses for women.
- Female sex of Mother Goddess and of priestesses.

"The Minoan period can not be characterized as matriarchal,
although it carries many influences from previous matriarchal societies."
(S.Alexiou, former curator of the National Arch. Museum in Heraklion).

Minoan Sacred Symbols
1. Sacral horns (depicting the horns of sacrificed bulls.)
2. Bulls (symbolizing the power of fertility.)
3. Double axes (weapon used in sacrificing of bulls.)
4. Sacral Knot (Protective power, an attempt to bind the deity and to release the bad.)
5. Defensive armour (Goddess included warlike attributes among her other qualities.)
6. Cross (related with the observation of stars) depicted as Swastika, Star, Wheel=solar disk.
7. Sealstones-amulets (to obtain assistance of the deity, to avert the evil spirits.)

Vessels for use in worship
1. Models of altars with sacred horns.
2. Fruitplates, cups, bowls, tables of offerings.
3. Models of sanctuaries.
4. Fireboxes
5. Volcanic pumice stones
6. Snake tubes
7. Sea shells (models of triton which was used by priests to increase their voice.)
8. LIBATION CERAMICS: a).jugs, b).cups, c).jars,
d). RHYTONS different kinds of ceramics (Human or animal figurines, pots thrown on potter's wheel or combinations of figurines and pots) or vessels made of stone (mostly of "steatite".)
They were used for libation.
9. Kernoi (used for mixture of liquid or solid offers.)
10.Squat alabastrons (because of their flat bottom, they were used for keeping the holy offers attached to the earth.)

Festivals
1. Bull leaping
2. Boxing
3. Processions of priests and musicians :
a) by the sea with boats
b) ceremonies in sacral caves
c) Lighting fires on sacred mountain peaks