ARRHEPHORIA, a feast among the Athenians, instituted in honour of Minerva, and Herse daughter of Cecrops. The word is composed of ἀρρη, mystery, and φύς, I carry; on account of certain mysterious things which were carried in procession at this solemnity.—Boys, or, as some say, girls, between seven and twelve years of age, were the ministers that assisted at this feast, and were denominated ἀρρηφύς. This feast was also called Hersephoria, from the daughter of Cecrops, already mentioned.