Exelaria, in antiquity, an anniversary solemnity, observed by the Stratonicentians, in honour of Hecate. The Athenians likewise had a public entertainment or supper every new moon, in honour of the same goddess. The supper was provided at the charge of the richer sort; and was no sooner brought to the accustomed place but the poor people carried all off, giving out that Hecate had devoured it. For the rest of the ceremonies observed on this occasion, see Pott. Arch. Graec. lib. ii. cap. 20.

ECATOMBÆON, Exekeleōn, in Chronology, the first month of the Athenian year. It consisted of 30 days, and began on the first new moon after the summer solstice, and consequently answered to the latter part of our June and beginning of July. The Boeotians called it Hippodromus, and the Macedonians Lous. See Month. The word is a derivation from the Greek ἱκέλεων, a hecatomb, because of the great number of hecatombs sacrificed in it.