Kourotrophos, Hekate and Artemis

by Melissa

(16 Metageitnion) Kourotrophos (child rearing) is honored along with the two Goddesses who protect women and children, Hekate and Artemis.  This offering is known from the demos Erchia, but apparently duplicates similar offerings on the Acropolis of Athens.  Kourotrophos apparently receives offering several times during the year, usually as a preliminary before other gods are honored, but on this occasion receives cult with the two other Goddesses.

Today, thank the goddesses for the children in the family and for future children that they may all enjoy good health and abundance.  Also, a child’s birthday is another good time to honor these three goddesses.

Source:
Parke, H.W., Festivals of the Athenians, 1977, London