See Also: Thargelia(encyclopedia)

Thargelia (sh)




In Greek religion, a chief Athenian festival of Apollo, celebrated on the sixth and seventh days of Thargelion (April-May).

It was named after the first fruits or the first bread from the new wheat. On the first day, one or two men acting as scapegoats were led through Athens, whipped on the genitalia, and driven across the border. An official registration of adopted people took place on the second day.