was a festival observed among the ancient Greeks. It has been attributed to different deities, but most generally to Athena, in honor of whom it was celebrated at Athens: Four young girls were chosen every year from the most distinguished families. Two of these superintended the bearing of the peplus to Athena, while two others were employed to carry the mysterious and sacred vessels of the goddess. At the close of the ceremony, the girls were dismissed and others chosen in their place.