ARRHEPHORIA, a feast among the Athenians, instituted in honour of Minerva, and Herse daughter
of Cecrops. The word is composed of αἴδω, mystery, and φῶς, 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 αἴδωφες. This feast was also called Hersephoria, from the daughter of Cecrops, already mentioned.