SCIROPHORIA

also spelled Skirophoria, in Greek religion, annual Athenian festival held at threshing time on the 12th of Skirophorion (roughly, June/July). Under the cover of a large white umbrella, which symbolized the protection of the Attic soil against the Sun's burning rays, the priestess of Athena (city goddess of Athens) and the priests of Poseidon (god of the sea) and Helios (sun god) walked from the Acropolis to a place called Skiron. The solemnity, which was probably a companion festival to the Thesmophoria (q.v.), may have been held in honour of the goddess Athena; more reliable traditions, however, indicate that it was in honour of Demeter, the goddess of fruitfulness, and her daughter Kore (Persephone).