In ancient Greece, a six say festival called the Panathenaea began on this day every four years. It was held in honor of the goddess Athena.

On this day, Pagans around the world celebrate the divine birthdays of the wine and fertility god, Dionysus and the Greek goddess Rhea.

On this day in the year 1992, Herman Slater (Wiccan High Priest, well-known occult author, and proprietor fo the Magickal Childe bookstore and Witchcraft supply shop in New York City) lost his battle against AIDS. His death was a great loss to the magickal community.