Sacaea

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Sacaea

Five days, including the vernal equinox, March 21 or 22

Sacaea was an ancient five-day Babylonian New Year festival associated with Anaitis, the Syrian war goddess identified with the Greek goddess Athena. It was characterized by drunkenness and licentious behavior as well as a reversal of the usual customs and relationships. Slaves ruled their masters throughout the festival, and a mock king was selected from among the criminals. After being feasted and honored for five days, the mock king was executed, thereby serving as a surrogate for the real king, who was supposed to die each new year when a new king was born.
The festival was instituted by Cyrus, king of the Persians, when he marched against the Sacae, or people of Scythia. In order to detain the enemy, he set out tables laden with delicacies to which they were unaccustomed. While they lingered over the food, he was able to destroy them.

SOURCES:
ClassDict-1984, p. 43

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