A festival of Hierapolis (2)

Text
pseudo-Lucian, De Dea Syria 48:
Their greatest festivals are those customarily observed by the sea. About these I have no reliable information to give, for I did not attend the festival myself, nor did I attempt this pilgrimage. I did see what they do when they have returned and will describe it. Each person brings a vessel filled with water and these are sealed with wax. They themselves do not break the seal and pour out the water. Instead, there is a sacred cock, which lives by the lake. He receives the vessels from them, inspects the seals, and, when he receives a fee, breaks the bond and takes away the wax. Much money is collected by the cock as a result of this activity. Then they carry the water into the temple, pour libations and once they have sacrificed, they return home.

Source (list of abbreviations) (source links will open in a new browser window)
pseudo-Lucian, De Dea Syria 48

Bibliography

Amar Annus

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