The Bakcheion operates according to a mixed lunar and solar calendar.
Our year begins on January 1st in commemoration of the founding of the Bakcheion on that date in 2019 e.v.
Our year is divided into four seasons, each of which is associated with one of the cardinal Bacchic Orphic colors and has been consecrated to a different aspect of Dionysos, as well as a portion of his Retinue.
However, our months are anchored to the Moon. Unlike most calendrical systems and their naming conventions within contemporary Hellenic polytheist communities each of our months have been assigned one of Dionysos’ symbols, so that we may work with and reflect upon it during this period of time.All of which breaks down as follows.
Our Seasons:
White (January to March) = Magician = The Nymphs & Satyrs
Gold (April to June) = King = The Fairies & Goblins
Red (July to September) = Hunter = The Furious Host
Black (October to December) = Fool = The Harlequinade
Our Months:
Kissos (Κισσός) = Ivy: January/February
Stephanos (Στέφανος) = Flower Crown: February/March
Thyrsos (Θύρσος) Fennel Staff: March/April
Nebris (Νεβρίς) = Fawnskin: April/May
Kantharos (Κάνθαρος) = Cup: May/June
Prosopon (Πρόσωπον) = Mask: June/July
Kothornos (Κόθορνος) = Hunting Boot: July/August
Diktya (Δίκτυα) = Net: August/September
Pelekus (Πέλεκυς) = Double-axe: September/October
Botrus (Βότρυς) = Grape-cluster: October/November
Boukranion (Βουκράνιον) = Bull Skull: November/December
Athyrmata (Αθύρματα) = The Toys: December/January
Eriaphioteion “the Stitched In” is our intercalanary month.
Our Festivals:
Lenaia
Date: 12 Kissos
(5 January)
Dionysos is roused from wintery slumber by his Mainades.
Anthesteria
Date: 11-13 Stephanos
(4-6 February)
Dionysos is wedded to the King’s wife in the Ox-shed while the Dead come for a visit.
The Dionysia
Date: 10-17 Thyrsos
(4-10 March)
The tragic myths of Dionysos are acted out on stage.
Agrionia
Date: 28 Kantharos
(20 May)
Destructive madness is cured through dance and drugs.
Aletideia
Date: 30 Prosopon
(20 June)
The Hanged Maidens are honored through dance.
Pannychia
Date: 2-3 Diktya
(22-23 July)
The long night of Ariadne is commemorated.
Anamnesia
Date: 27 Pelekus
(14 September)
The Bull is slain by those who love him most.
Oschophoria
Date: 7 Botrus
(24 September)
Mysteries of the Midnight Sun are celebrated.
Lampteria
Date: 11 Boukranion
(27 October)
The Wild Ones go in search of the God with torches.
Foundation Day
Date: 31 December
Commemorates the foundation of the Bakcheion.
Dates in parentheses have been converted to 2020 e.v.
