CHALKEIA
CHALKEIA (
χαλκεῖα), a very
ancient festival celebrated at Athens, which was originally of an agrarian
character; but afterwards it assumed a different type. At first it was
solemnised in honour of Athena, surnamed Ergane, and by the whole people of
Athens, whence it was called
Ἀθήναια or
Πάνδημος. (Suidas,
s. v.; Etym.
M.; Eustath.
ad Il. ii. p. 284, 36.) At a later
period, however, it was celebrated only by artisans, especially smiths, and
in honour of Hephaestus, whence its name was changed into
Χαλκεῖα. (Pollux, 7.105.) It was kept on the
30th day of the month of Pyanepsion, the day after the Apaturia. (Suidas,
Harpocrat., Eustath.
l.c.) Menander had written a
comedy called
Χαλκεῖα, a fragment of which
is preserved in
Athen. 11.502.
(Comp. Weicker,
Die, Aeschyl. Trilog. p. 290; A. Mommsen,
Heortologie, p. 311, 40.)
[
L.S]
