the heathen mythology, were sometimes consecrated to the sun; and the Scripture observes, that Josiah burnt those which had been offered to the sun by the kings his predecessors. This superstitious custom was an imitation of the heathens, and principally of the Persians, who had horses and chariots consecrated in honour of the sun. Herodotus, Xenophon, and Quintus Curtius, speak of white chariots crowned, which were consecrated to the sun, among the Persians, which in their ceremonies were drawn by white horses consecrated to the same luminary.

Triumphal Chariot, was one of the principal ornaments of the Roman celebration of a victory.

The Roman triumphal chariot was generally made of ivory, round like a tower, or rather of a cylindrical figure; it was sometimes gilt at the top, and ornamented with crowns; and to represent a victory more naturally, they used to stain it with blood. It was usually drawn by four white horses; but oftentimes by lions, elephants, tygers, bears, leopards, dogs, &c.

Charis, in the heathen theology, a wake, or night festival, instituted in honour of the Graces. It continued the whole night, most of which time was spent in dancing; after which, cakes made of yellow flour mixed with honey, and other sweetmeats, were distributed among the assistants.—Charis is also sometimes used to signify the sweetmeats used on such occasions.