Eikas

Eikas (Greek εἰκάς from εἴκοσῐ eíkosi, “twenty”), Eikadenfest[1] or the "Twentieth" is a holiday celebrated among Epicureans in commemoration of Epicurus and Metrodorus.[2] It was a monthly celebration taking place on the 20th day of every month. The observance was made during Epicurus' lifetime, and provisions were made in his will to continue the practice. It became so characteristic of the Epicureans that they were given the nickname Twentiers (eikadistae) by detractors. [3]

The day had special significance among the Greeks before Epicurus, the twentieth being sacred to the god Apollo, and also corresponding to the final day of the rites of initiation to the mysteries of Demeter. [4]

The observance of Eikas has recently been revived among modern Epicureans and humanists.[5][6]

References
  1. Frischer, Bernard (1982), The Sculpted Word: Epicureanism and Philosophical Recruitment in Ancient Greece, Berkeley, California: University of California Press. pp. 42
  2. Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, Book X, Section 18
  3. "The Celebration of the 20th". Society of Friends of Epicurus.
  4. DeWitt, Norman Wentworth (1964), Epicurus and His Philosophy, Minneapolis, Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press. pp. 104-105
  5. "Happy Twentieth!". The Humanist.
  6. "The Celebration of the 20th". The Society of Friends of Epicurus.
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