Some information on Dionysus' Celebration:
The Ôskhophoria, in honor of Dionysos, occurs on the same day as the Puanepsia. It may seem odd to honor Apollo and Dionysos, so often taken as polar opposites, on the same day, but we must remember that They share Delphi, and this is the time of year when the changing of the guard occurs. An ancient pot shows Them shaking hands over the Omphalos (World Naval) at Delphi.
The procession is led by the Oskhophoroi, two men dressed as women in ankle length tunics; this commemorates the two youths whom Theseus disguised as maidens to protect the other maidens (see below). They carry vine branches still bearing grapes (ôskhoi). The herald carries a wand with a garland wrapped around it, rather than on his head, to signify the triumph of Theseus return mixed with the grief for his father's death. The procession also includes "Dinner Carriers," women bringing the Sacred Meal, which represents the meat, bread, and encouraging tales that the parents brought to the Twice-seven Children, who went to Crete with Theseus. When the procession, which starts at temple of Dionysos, arrives at the Shrine of Athena Skira (Athena as protectress of the grape harvest), there are cries of "Eleleu! Iou! Iou!" This is a paradoxical combination of encouragement (Eleleu) and woe (Iou), which recalls both Theseus' return, and the death of Dionysos by which He is reborn.
From:
http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/BA/GSF.html#oskhophoriaOn an unrelated note: did that lady with the webpage you disagreed with, ever write you back, Renee?
Jack
