TIMING:

The timing of this festival is determined by each clan but falls in the month of Pyanepsion.

HISTORY / LORE:

Apaturia is when the Phratria (brotherhood) meets to catch up on what has happened in the family over the last year. The first day, Dorpia or supper eve, is when all the relatives arrive, settle in and have a first feast together. The second day, Anarrhysis or sacrificing, is for sacrifices and blessings on the family in general and especially for the new family members by birth, those reaching puberty and those new family members by marriage. Traditionally these new family members consecrate a lock of their hair. The third day is the official recognition by the family of those born into the family, marrying into the family and those reaching puberty. The priest (often the head of the Phratria) receives from the sacrifice for a new born, a thigh, a side, an ear and a silver drachma. From a coming of age sacrifice, the priest receives the same plus a flat cake of flour and wine.

DECORATING IDEAS:

family photos, awards and family crests, logos or slogans.

GARMENTS:

sweatshirts or tee shirts with family crests or slogans.

RITUAL CUP:

wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic as appropriate) to honor Dionysos.

RITUAL FOODS:

lamb (the remainder of the sacrifices)

ACTIVITIES:

This is a good time for a family reunion including picnics / bar-b-ques, amateur sports and games.

SOURCES:

• Burkert, Walter (1985) "Greek Religion". Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press
• Parke, H.W. (1977) "Festivals of the Athenians". Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press