Khutroi

The third day of Anthesteria is called Khutroi, meaning the Pots.

The Basilinna is prepared, and on this day in her rich wedding garments she will be lead by procession to the Boukoleion where she, and only she, will enter and become bride of the Horned Dionysos. The God will come to her, and the two will consummate their marriage, but only she will see how.

Women, especially mature women who have taken husbands, and especially those who have taken their husbands during the month of Gamelion, can become brides of Dionysos too. Calling on him to unite with them and bring about the power of Zöe, indestructible life, that it may move about the earth.

Men who belong to Dionysian Orders, calling themselves Satyrs and Silenoi, also celebrate in the world today, mingling with the spirits and divinities of the underworld who move upon the Earth and carrying with them the God's phallic power and energy. Carousing, drinking, and perhaps in wild orgies conveying the power of manhood that is so powerfully the God's.

With sunrise the Anthesteria takes on a more sombre tone. the celebrations have ended, the music, parties, orgies, and contests have become memory, and we turn our attention to the dead and the underworld daemones, apeasing them with offerings of panspermia (a kind of stew of various vegetables and grains) and in the pots we carry them to the marshes, bringing the dead with us and driving them back to the underworld.

This is a day of new beginnings, remembrance of our ancestors, and thankfulness for life.