Eleuartia is a syncretism of the Athenian festival Eleusinia and the Delphic festival of Megalartia - both festivals honor Demeter and the harvest.

​

From Hellenion, regarding Eleusinia:

"The Eleusinia was a thanksgiving festival held to honor Demeter for the gift of grain but was not held every year. When it took place, it was either as a major festival called the Great Eleusinia held during the fourth year of the Olympeiad or as a minor festival held during the second year. It consisted of a procession, games and sacrifices. The prizes for the winners of the games was a large quantity of grain."

​

From Pythio.Notion, regarding Megalartia:

"The Delphic festival of Megalartia is associated with the cultus of Demeter and involves offerings of large loaves or cakes. [...] The core purpose of the ritual is to propitiate Demeter for the successful completion of the agricultural cycle and the growth of grain."

​

Eleusinia traditionally took place sometime between August and September, hence our choice to host the festival at this time. Boukatios typically took place in April, but to better align with the month in which we celebrate Demeter, Boukatos, the holiday's date was adjusted. 

​

Temple Hyacinthus utilizes this festival to honor Demeter, and to reflect on our lives. In the modern day there is so much distance between us and the harvest; unless you or your family work in agriculture you are unlikely to have a direct hand in the work that brings much of our food into being. As such The Temple encourages reflection and thanksgiving on this day.