DAFNEFORIE. — Festivals in honor of Apollo, celebrated in various cities of Greece.
In Thebes, a procession was held, preceded by a boy whose parents were still living; his nearest relative carried an olive branch adorned with flowers, laurel, balls, and ribbons; and the priest, with his hair loose, a golden diadem, and splendid garments, had to touch the branch; a chorus of maidens followed. At Delphi, some noble youths annually repeated the journey made by Apollo to Tempe in order to purify himself after the killing of the serpent Python. Luisa Banti