Translations:Ḏušarē/20/en

Like the mysteries at Eleusis and those of Isis and Osiris the festival must've been a profound experience. Gathering at the temple of Ḏušarē in the evening of the 5th of January, staying the whole night, and singing hymns to the accompaniment of flutes and drums. Perhaps they partook in some entheogens or fasting or perhaps the long hours of singing and music was enough to induce a mystical experience or trance. After many hours, the first light, the Morning Star, and the rising of the sun announces the birth and epiphany of Dushara, indicated also by revealing the baetyl or house of god, which then is carried seven times in a circumambulation around the temple to be presented to all worshippers, making the epiphany public. The city in which this occurred, Elusa, was connected to the cult of Venus in the Roman period and its name comes from Al'uzza. Note that Adonis, a dying and rising God, was the lover of Venus/Aphrodite. Going back to the figurines, they may be representative of a young Dushara. Since many are found in homes its possible that the owners wished for children or that the figurines were used in household worship. The innocence of child Gods inspired more confidence than the older Gods. They were hopeful and wise. They administered justice, gave prophecies and granted oracles. The figurine has Egyptian influences confirming Epiphanius's connection between Petra, Elusa and Alexandria and perhaps to the mysteries of Isis and Osiris.