in antiquity, was a feast celebrated by the Athenians in honour of Bacchus. The most natural derivation of the word is from the Greek ἀνθεσφορία (ἀνθεσφορία), a flower, it being the custom at this feast to offer garlands of flowers to Bacchus.

The anthesteria lasted three days, the 11th, 12th and 13th of the month; each of which had a name suited to the proper office of the day. The first day of the feast was called ἀνθεσφορία, i.e., opening of the vessels; because