The Agora

Absolom

Occuring on the 26th day of the month of Poseidon (roughly December for the solar calendar) was a festival that the Ancient Greeks called Haloa. This was a festival in honor of Demeter and Dionysos, named after the halos, or threshing floor. There was a feast including phallos- and pudenda-shaped cakes, but without the foods forbidden in the Eleusinian Mysteries (pomegranates, apples, eggs, fowls, some fish). Women danced around a giant phallus, leaving it offerings. Later in the night, men were admitted, and there was a great revel or orgy for the rest of the night. A priest and priestess presided over the fertility celebration.

Well, as Spartan as we are, I think we'll forego the dancing around phalluses and the orgies (unless that's your kind of thing Very Happy

), but it would be ripe timing for a Laconian holiday party. I briefly discussed it with Bannor and we both like the idea of a day-long Laconian festival and feast, complete with food, fighting, gaming, and a bonfire-lit ceremony to commence the evening. Games would include knife-throwing, hosted by Drakkar, and keg-standing, hosted by Barnakal (to name a few). I'm thinking Saturday the 29th would be a great day to have it, unless it conflicts with Pathos' birthday.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Absolom

Iltztafein Derahel · Posted: Tue, December 11, 2007, 2:29:22pm Post subject:

I believe my son's birthday party is the 28th. But I can't imagine a lot of your people making it to the festival the next day... I have a feeling they will be too hungover. Though, they often do make it to Darkon after nights of drinking, so maybe not. hah.
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~Iltztafein
~~Brother of the Empyrean