Little seems to be known about the Pompaia Festival or the equally obscure Maimakteria Festival.
Pompaia, the procession in honor of Zeus
Pompaia is believed to have been a festival dedicated primarily to Zeus, but as there is mention of a procession (note that the Greek word pomp πομπή translates to "procession") with a sheepskin believed to have magical properties and a kerykeion, a staff entwined with serpents.
In certain parts of the Greece, this month was called Hermaia, it seems that Hermes also played a role in this festival. It could be that both symbols were seen as having the ability to ward off adverse forces of nature, such as bad weather and the discomfort of short, cold days, which arrive with this month.
Plutarch in The Life of Aristides mentions a libation and bull sacrifice to Zeus and Hermes and those who "died for the freedom of Hellas" occurring on Maimakterion 16 and it is possible that this is the same festival.
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On this day, the Greeks celebrated Pompaia. A procession took place with a sheepskin and a staff entwined with snakes. #mythology #myth #legend #calendar #zeus #10maimakterion #pompaia
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