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Festivals; Feasts
(4,658 words)

[German version]

I. The Ancient Orient

The ancient Mesopotamian calendar was based on the phases of the lunar cycle and was observed in the cult on a monthly basis (1st, 7th, 15th day). Annual feasts were frequently associated with the agrarian cycle (sowing, harvest), whereby regional differences must be drawn into consideration (e.g., irrigation vs. rainfed agriculture). Non-cyclical feasts were generally related to the ruler (crowning, templ…

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Sallaberger, Walther (Leipzig), Felber, Heinz (Leipzig) and Auffarth, Christoph (Tübingen), “Festivals; Feasts”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 05 June 2023 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e410970>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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