DAFNE FORIE

DAFNE FORIE. — Festivals in honour of Apollo, celebrated in various cities of Greece.

At Thebes a procession was held, led by a boy whose parents were still alive; his closest relative carried an olive branch adorned with flowers, laurel, balls, and ribbons; and the priest, with loose hair, a golden diadem, and splendid garments, had to touch the branch; followed by a chorus of maidens. At Delphi, some noble youths annually repeated the journey made by Apollo to Tempe to purify himself after the slaying of the serpent Python.