TIMING:

14 Skirophorion, 17 May 2000

THEME:

Zeus, riddance of guilt, restitution

HISTORY / LORE:

On this day, some girls fetch water for sharpening tools. The sharpeners sharpen a pole ax and a butcher knife. Several plow oxen are herded past an altar where barley and wheat has been placed. The first ox that goes to the altar "consents" to being sacrificed. One man kills the ox with the pole ax and another cuts it's throat with the knife. Both men drop their tools and run away.

Next the ox is butchered and prepared for the feast. It's hide is stuffed with straw and sewn together so that it appears alive. A trial is then held to determine who is at fault in the death of the ox. The first ones blamed are the water carriers. They blame the sharpeners who, in turn, blame the sacrifices. Finally, the sacrifices blame the pole ax and knife who are found guilty and thrown into the sea.

DECORATING IDEAS:

the area should be made into a somber looking courtroom.

GARMENTS:

judicial robes.

RITUAL CUP:

none specified (whatever goes well with beef)

RITUAL FOODS:

roast ox or beef

ACTIVITIES:

Many times we feel guilt for something that isn't our fault. Other times we know who is at fault but we know that, in this lifetime, they will not be punished. After the trial of the killing of the ox, separate trials can be used to resolve undeserved guilt issues or to justify putting a curse on remote evil doers.

SOURCES:

• Harrison, Jane Ellen (1991) "Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion". Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.
• Parke, H.W. (1977) "Festivals of the Athenians". Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press