Echteal
The round basin in an ancient Arathracian Temple in which Arathracian washing rites are performed, the echteal is paved with cut stone, usually of white color. The cuvétar is lowered into a hole of the exact size as the cuvétar in the center of the basin. The echteal is then filled with water while the priests utter prayers. The cuvétar according to Arathracian belief transforms the water and when someone of Arathraciot heritage bathes in the water, it is thought to rejuvenate him. In later Arathracian religion, any devout believer who entered the waters becomes blessed and holy to the god Arathrax.
Both men and women participate in the ritualistic washing. For women, the connection is particularly tied to the descent of Aireánnau Mother of the Folk into the sacred water which impregnated her with the seed of the god Arathrax.
See Also
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