Εἰκοστή/ Εἰκὰς/ Εἰκο&sigm
Εἰκοστή/ Εἰκὰς/ Εἰκοσάδες, XX day From today’s sunset: twentieth day of Anthesterion. ΜΙΚΡΑ ΜΥΣΤΗΡΙΑ - I day of the LESSER ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES Sacred Εἰκὰς: the twentieth of each month is always sacred to Apollo and Athena. “Every year two mystery cults are celebrated in honor of Demeter and Kore, the Lesser and the Great (Mysteries). The Lesser take the form of a purification and attainment of a state of purity, preliminary to the Great Mysteries.” Schol. Pluto 845f “The Great Mysteries were in honor of Demeter, the Lesser in honor of Her Daughter Persephone.” Schol. Pluto 846 *** Moreover, “On the great twentieth, in full day, a wise man should be born. Such a one is very sound-witted.” “He (Hesiod) calls it ‘great’ because it contains most of the days of the month; therefore all the day is suitable for birth, or he (Hesiod) has called it 'great’, as if it were completing great undertakings. The one who is generated in this day is very virtuous and learned.” Hesiod and scholia, Erga, 792 (Terracotta figure of Persephone standing,Her right hand raised and holding a pomegranate. From Tanagra, 270 BCE. Now in the British Museum…) -- source link
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