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TIMING:

30 Pyanopsion.

THEME:

Hephaestus, Athena, crafts

HISTORY / LORE:

There is very little written on this festival but, due to it's timing and subject, it is very important. Chalkeia is the last festival in a month with thirteen days of festivals. The next months are the start of the stormy winter in the ancient, Mediterranean, Hellenic world. Since all Hellenic festivals include a procession and an outdoor feast, there is a period of time after the Chalkeia where there are no festivals. Chalkeia is in honor of Hephaestus and Athena as they relate to crafts and industry. It is the time when the looms are set up to create the peplos to be given to Athena at the Panathenaia. During the procession the people sing: "Come out in the street you, all the people of the handicrafts, who venerate the daughter of Zeus, Ergane, with sacrificial baskets and beside the heavy anvil, beaten with hammers."

DECORATING IDEAS:

handicraft tools, examples of handicrafts and handicraft awards.

GARMENTS:

many different crafts have some type of special apron or tool belt which can be worn to symbolize crafts.

RITUAL CUP:

The preferred drinks while working on crafts are coffee and tea. Also, any beverage that is the result of craft such as cocktails created by a bartender.

RITUAL FOODS:

elaborate dishes that are created in competitions such as chili, cakes, cookies, etc.

ACTIVITIES:

This is a great time to attend or participate in craft fairs, street markets, country fairs or other events that recognize individual skills. Prize winning crafts or foods can be dedicated or sacrificed to Hephaestus and Athena (remember, the Hellenic way of sacrificing is to dedicate a portion to the deities and to consume or use the rest). A portion of the proceeds of the market should be dedicated Hephaestus and Athena by paying the expenses of running the market.

SOURCES: