chalkeia

CHALKEIA(χαλκεῖα), a very ancient festival celebrated at Athens, which was originally of an agrarian character; but afterwards it assumed a different type. At first it was solemnised in honour of Athena, surnamed Ergane, and by the whole people of Athens, whence it was called Ἀθήναια or Πάνδημος. (Suidas, s. v.; Etym. M.; Eustath. ad Il. 2. p. 284, 36.) At a later period, however, it was celebrated only by artisans, especially smiths, and in honour of Hephaestus, whence its name was changed into Χαλκεῖα. (Pollux, 7.105.) It was kept on the 30th day of the month of Pyanepsion, the day after the Apaturia. (Suidas, Harpocrat., Eustath. l. c.) Menander had written a comedy called Χαλκεῖα, a fragment of which is preserved in Athen. 11. p. 502. (Comp. Weicker, Die, Aeschyl. Trilog. p. 290; A. Mommsen, Heortologie, p. 311, 40.)