Translations:Ḏušarē/17/en

From Arabian Paganism
Jump to navigation Jump to search

"First in Alexandria in the Koreion as they call it – a very large temple, the precinct of Kore (Isis). All night long they keep vigil, chanting to their idol with songs and flutes. The nocturnal service over, at cock-crow torch-bearers go down into an underground chamber and bring up a wooden image, sitting naked on a litter, with the imprint of a golden cross on its forehead, two similar imprints on its hands, and other two on its knees, all told, five golden marks impressed upon it. They carry the image itself seven times round the central part of the temple with flutes, timberls and hymns. And after the procession they bring it down again to its underground quarters. If asked what they mean by this mystery, they make answer: This day and hour Kore (that is, the Virgin), has given birth to Aion (a personification of time). Again, at Petra, the metropolis of Arabia, that is the Edom mentioned in the Scriptures, in the idol-house there the same thing takes place. They hymn the virgin in the speech of Arabia, calling her in Arabic Chaamou, that is “Kore”, or “Virgin,” and her offspring Dousares, that is “Only-begotten of the Lord.”In the town of Elousa also the same thing takes place that night as happens there in Petra and Alexandria."