Theoxenia
(
θεοξένια, also
θεοδαίσια,
“entertainments given to the gods”). A festival celebrated in many parts
of Greece in honour, not only of the principal local divinity, but of many others who were
considered as his guests. Such was the feast held at Delphi in honour of Apollo in the month
hence called Theoxenius (August). Of the manner of its celebration nothing is known.
Distinguished men, such as Pindar and his descendants, were also invited to the sacrificial
feast. Elsewhere other gods appeared as hosts at the feast, as the Dioscuri, the patrons of
hospitality, in Paros and Agrigentum. From these god-feasts the Romans probably derived the
custom of their
lectisternia. See
Lectisternium.