Daidaphoria
The Festival of Torches
Daidaphoria is a festival during which we celebrate magic, mystery, and the liminal. This day, which occurs annually on Daidophorios 31, is observed only by magical practitioners and those within the Temple who align with the label of 'witch'.
Not all who align themselves with Hellenic Polytheism engage in magical practice, as it is not a requirement nor a historic mandate. However, for those who do practice magic, this is the among the holiest days of the year.
symbols & Decore
hair binding / veiling
Recommended
Jewelry / Adornments
Recommended
foods of significance
Wines and Ciders
Meat of Any Kind (If This Aligns With Your Practice)
Soups and Stews
colors of significance
Black
Purple
symbols of significance
Torches
Crossroads
Symbols of Hekatê
history vs modern day
According to Pythio.Notion:
"Though its rituals are unknown, it is likely connected to the celebrations of the Thyiads known to have included feasting, dancing, and torchlight processions on Mt Parnassos [...] some have suggested it might be connected to Artemis or Hekate due to their very well known epithets Daidouchos and Phosphoros, however Dionysos also bears the title "torch bearer" and his worship in Delphi is strongly connected to torches in literary sources."
Temple Hyacinthus has chosen to define our celebration of Daidaphoria as a festival that honors Lady Hekatê, and her role as keeper of the crossroads. Our celebration additionally pulls influence from the Wiccan holiday of Samhain.
From Wicca Living, regarding Samhain:
"While the cycles of life and death are implicitly recognized at every Sabbat, Samhain is when the necessary role of death is formally honored. The nights grow noticeably longer with each day [...] Many Wiccans and other Pagans consider this to be the most important day on the Wheel, a time when the veil between the spirit world and the mundane world is at its thinnest. Our ancestors and loved ones on the Other Side are said to be more easily able to visit with us and make their presence known at this time."
Daidaphoria is a time to honor every aspect and domain associated with Lady Hekatê, including but not limited to: magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, and ghosts.