Oct 15, 2017
According to a well researched paper from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Apaturia (Greek lunar calendar, between c. Oct 15 and c. Nov 15) is an ancient festival celebrated for three or more consecutive days in Puanepsion (days preliminary to ploughing).
Each Phratria (Clan) determines when its Apaturia (perhaps "Feast of the Common Fatherhood") will be held in the month of Puanepsion (mid-Oct. to mid-Nov.).
1st Day: Dorpia (Supper Eve)
This is a day of reunion and feast for the Phratria's members.
2nd Day: Anarrhusis (Sacrificing)
Sacrifices are made to Zeus Phratrios and Athena Phratria, who oversee the Phratriai. Sometimes Dionysos is also included, which is explained by the myth of the fight between Melanthus, the Dark King, and Xanthus, the Fair King. Dionysos, by appearing behind Melanthus in a black goat's skin (Melainaigis), distracted him, and allowed Xanthus to cut him down. Hephaistos may also be honored.
3rd Day: Koureotis (Youths)
On this day there is much celebration as new members are inducted into the Phratria; for many this will be done in the first Apaturia after they are born, though full induction takes place at puberty (when they might offer their cut hair to the Gods). A spouse can also be inducted after marrying a Phratria member. Thus membership is by birth, adulthood or marriage. In each case the parent or other sponsor is supposed to finance the inductee's sacrifice.
4th Day: Epibda (Day Following)
Not a formal part of the festival, the "morning after" for recovering from the preceding revelries. (There is much drinking at the Apaturia.)
Puanepsia Invocation (paganbookofhours.org)
(Those who still have two living parents come forth to be the Eiresione, and they bring the bowls and baskets around to each one present as the liturgy is spoken.)
Hail to Apollo, who blesses our fields with the light of the Sun!
Hail, Shining Golden One, whose wand of laurel
Is lifted over us in victory! Your lyre sounds sweetly
Over the white clouds; we eat of your music.
Golden as honey, you pour your wisdom
Down on our ears. Hail Apollo!
(All shout "Hail Apollo!")
Hail to Helios, whose face is borne
On the face of Apollo's chariot!
The Sun incarnate, you touch the fruits of our gardens
And make them plump and sweet. The figs ripen
At your fingertips, that we may give cakes in your honor.
The olives likewise ripen for our oil. Hail Helios!
(All shout, "Hail Helios!")
Hail to the Horae, attending on Apollo,
Garlanded maidens whom we know and love,
All things ripen in their own time, you say,
Like the beans, the peas, the grains of the field
That feed us on this day. Hail to the Horae,
May you rule us long and well.
(All shout, "Hail to the Horae!" The wine is poured out as a libation. The laurel branch is fastened over the doorway for the next lunar month.)
Image: Father & Child, detail from ancient Greek freeze - wikipedia
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