Thargelia

Thargelia

In Greek religion, a chief Athenian festival of Apollo, celebrated on the sixth and seventh days of Thargelion (April–May). It was named after the first fruits or the first bread from the new wheat. On the first day, one or two men acting as scapegoats were led through Athens, whipped on the genitalia, and driven across the border. An official registration of adopted people took place on the second day.

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Thargelia

May-June

This ancient Greek festival was celebrated in Athens on the sixth and seventh days of the ancient Greek month of Thargelion (which fell sometime between late May and early June) to honor Apollo. In addition to offerings of first fruits, or the first bread from the new wheat, it was customary to select two condemned criminals (either two men or a man and a woman) to act as scapegoats for community guilt. First they were led through the city and then driven out and banished. If circumstances warranted a greater sacrifice, they were killed—either thrown into the sea or burned on a pyre. On the second day of the festival there was an offering of thanksgiving, a procession, and the official registration ceremony for individuals who had been adopted.

SOURCES:
DictFolkMyth-1984, p. 67
NewCentClassHandbk-1962, p. 1069
OxClassDict-1970, p. 1051