by Quintus Aurelius Orcus on Sat Dec 18, 2004 12:29 pm
Salvete
Haloa (Poseideon 26 )
Again not much is known about this women festival except that it was in honor of Dionysos and Demeter. Such foods like pomegranates, apples, eggs, fowl and certain type of fish were not allowed. Where cakes in the shape of female and male genitalia were allowed. As at the Thesmophoria, the participants may have engaged in ritual obscenity. It is even suggested that this was a kind of fertility festival.
For modern day observance, this could mean that there would be kind of flea-ridden entertainment included in the feast and sacrifice in honor of Demeter and Dionysos. Or frank talk among the participants.
Lenaia (late Poseideon- Gamelion 12 )
This festival was celebrated at a convenient time between late Poseideon and mid Gamelion. According to Kereny, this rural Dionysia were celebrated when the country folk had the time.
For modern day observance: This could be done in the 2nd half of December. It is the celebration of the birth of Dionysos. The tone is light and celebratory, as befits a phallic festival. An image of the God should be displayed in the ritual space. One traditional image is a mask hung on a pole, which is draped with a peplos or piece of cloth with ivy twined around it; another is phallus made of wood or other material. Grapes could also be used for display, and it is particularly appropriate for food items associated with the God- roast, beef, goat or vegetables, grape leaves, a pot of vegetable stew and above all wine- to be offered and consumed at the feast. Comic plays such as those of Aristophanes may be watched or read. The festivities would not be complete without games and much wine. For children, this would be non-alcoholic beverage as for designated drivers and non- drinkers
valete
Quintus
Quintus Aurelius Orcus
Rector ColRel
Rogator
Princeps gentis Aureliae