ASCOLIA

ASCOLIA,in Antiquity, a Feast which the Peasants of Attica celebrated in Honour of Bacchus. See FEAST. They sacrificed a Goat to him, and of the Skin thereof made a Football, which they blew up, and anointed with some unctuous Matter. The young People playing at this, and keeping themselves always on one Foot, whilst the other was suspended in Air, by their frequent Falls, gave occasion of Diversion to the Spectators.—Hence this Feast took its Name; ἀσκός, signifying a Bag or Bladder.