in antiquity, a festival celebrated every fifth year in the island of Delos, in honour of Apollo. It was first instituted by Theseus, who at his return from Crete placed a statue there, which he had received from Ariadne. At the celebration they crowned the statue of the god with garlands, appointed a choir of music, and exhibited horse-races. They afterwards led a dance, in which they imitated by their motions the various windings of the Cretan labyrinth, from which Theseus had extricated himself by Ariadne's assistance.—There was another festival of the same name yearly celebrated by the Athenians in Delos; It also was instituted by Theseus, who, when he was going to Crete, made a vow, that if he returned victorious, he would yearly visit in a solemn manner the temple of Delos. The persons employed in this annual procession were called Deliaetae and Theori. The ship, the fame which carried Theseus, and had been carefully preserved by the Athenians, was called Theoria and Delias. When the ship was ready for the voyage, the priest of Apollo solemnly adorned the stern with garlands, and an universal lustration was made all over the city. The Theori were crowned with laurels, and before them proceeded men armed with axes, in commemoration of Theseus, who had cleared the way from Trozen to Athens, and delivered the country from robbers. When the ship arrived at Delos, they offered solemn sacrifices to the god of the island, and celebrated a festival to his honour. After this they retired to their ship, and sailed back to Athens, where all the people of the city ran in crowds to meet them. Every appearance of festivity prevailed at their approach, and the citizens opened their doors, and prostrated themselves before the Deliaetae as they walked in procession. During this festival it was unlawful to put to death any malefactor, and on that account the life of Socrates was prolonged for 30 days.

DELLA, a surname of Diana, because she was born in Delos.