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Aphrodite Holidays

Adonia is a celebration in honor of Aphrodite and her lover Adonis. According to the myths, when Adonis died, Aphrodite caused anemones to grow where his blood fell, and decreed that every year a festival should be held in his honor. It’s typically dated as falling on the first full moon following the Spring equinox.

Aphrodisia takes place roughly around the end of July. The exact day is the fourth of Hekatombaion, which places it at July 20th for 2015. Aphrodisia is the main celebration in Aphrodite’s honor, specifically in her title as Aphrodite Pandemos. We know from texts that Aphrodisia always began by purifying the temples of Aphrodite with dove’s blood. We also know that blood sacrifices were not allowed during Aphrodisia, and instead fire, flowers, and incense were given as offerings. (Lucian, Dial. Meret. 7; comp. Xenoph. Sympos)

Anagôgia is the Festival of Embarkation, held in Aphrodite’s honor, when she leaves for Libya, and is followed nine days later by Katagôgia.

Katagôgia is the celebration of Aphrodite’s return after Anagogia. There was feasting in her honor. (The Deipnosophistae of Athenaeus Vol. IV, 1930)

Note:I can’t find anything referencing the time of year when Anagogia and Katagogia took place, if you have a resource for this, please feel free to share it so I can add it to this post.

The fourth day of each month is sacred to Aphrodite.