Echteal

Echteal n: 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.

See Also

• Arathracian Temple
• Arathracianism
• Cuvétar