The Pompaia is an obscure yet fascinating festival from the ancient Athenian (Attic) calendar, celebrated during the month of Maimakterion (roughly mid-November to mid-December). Though few records of it survive, scholars and modern Hellenic practitioners have pieced together its likely purpose: a ritual of purification and protection held at the onset of winter’s storms. The name Pompaia  derives from pompe  (πομπή), meaning “procession,” suggesting a ceremonial parade of sa

In ancient Greek religion, Hekate—goddess of crossroads, magic, and the night—was often accompanied by a mysterious spiritual companion...

Among the most significant women’s festivals in ancient Greece was the Thesmophoria, a sacred three-day celebration in honor...

The ancient Greeks celebrated a wide array of festivals tied to their gods, agriculture, and community life. Among the lesser-known but...

After a day of beans, grapes, and myth during the Pyanepsia and Oskhophoria, the Athenians weren’t done yet. The very next day, they held...

While the Athenians celebrated the Pyanepsia with beans and blessings for the harvest, another festival was happening on the very same...

In the agrarian societies of ancient Greece, the success of each harvest was a matter of life and death. Agriculture shaped not only the...

When we think of ancient Greek festivals, our minds often jump to the grand spectacles—like the Olympic Games or the dramatic...

As summer fades and the air takes on a crispness, the wheel of the year turns to Mabon, the pagan harvest festival that honors the autumn...

Among the sacred festivals of the Attic calendar, few were as profound, secretive, and enduring as the Eleusinia ta Megala—the Great...

If you’re diving into the ancient Attic calendar, you might stumble across a curious festival called Basile, celebrated on the 4th of...

When most people think of ancient Greek festivals, images of the grand Olympic Games, Dionysian theater, or the pan-Hellenic celebrations...

When most people picture Zeus, they think of the thunderbolt-wielding sky-god of Olympus. But in the sacrificial calendars of ancient...

Imagine a small neighborhood in ancient Athens—Erchia—where locals gather on the 20th of Metageitnion (around mid-August) to honor Hera...

The Festival of Neith, an ancient Egyptian celebration, honors Neith, the multifaceted goddess of war, wisdom, weaving, and creation. As...

Today's post will be a little different. I had found the Heroines festival listed on a resource of ancient festivals that I have been...

The term Eleusinia refers to the Eleusinian Mysteries, one of the most secretive and sacred religious rites of ancient Greece. Centered...

As summer stretches toward its golden finale and the first hints of autumn stir in the breeze, many modern pagans, witches, and...

When we think of ancient Egyptian celebrations, it’s easy to imagine grand temples, solemn rituals, and gold-laden offerings to...

Most people can name the big-ticket Roman festivals—Saturnalia, Lupercalia, maybe even Floralia if they're feeling scholarly. But nestled...