Eikas (Greek εἰκάς from εἴκοσῐ ''eíkosi'', "twenty"), Eikadenfest (also simply referred to as The Twentieth) is a holiday celebrated among

Epicureans Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded around 307 BC based upon the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus. Epicureanism was originally a challenge to Platonism. Later its main opponent became Stoicism. Few writings by Epi ...

in commemoration of

Epicurus Epicurus (; grc-gre, Ἐπίκουρος ; 341–270 BC) was an ancient Greek philosopher and sage who founded Epicureanism, a highly influential school of philosophy. He was born on the Greek island of Samos to Athenian parents. Influenced ...

and Metrodorus. It is a monthly celebration taking place on the 20th day of every month. The observance was made during Epicurus' lifetime, and provisions were made in his will to continue the practice. It became so characteristic of the Epicureans that they were given the nickname ''Twentiers'' (''eikadistae'') by detractors. It was also used as a means of recruitment for new students into the Epicurean school, as the Garden was opened for participation in the festivities. The day had special significance among the Greeks before Epicurus, the twentieth being sacred to the god

Apollo Apollo, grc, Ἀπόλλωνος, Apóllōnos, label=genitive , ; , grc-dor, Ἀπέλλων, Apéllōn, ; grc, Ἀπείλων, Apeílōn, label=Arcadocypriot Greek, ; grc-aeo, Ἄπλουν, Áploun, la, Apollō, la, Apollinis, label= ...

, and also corresponding to the final day of the rites of initiation to the mysteries of

Demeter In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Demeter (; Attic: ''Dēmḗtēr'' ; Doric: ''Dāmā́tēr'') is the Olympian goddess of the harvest and agriculture, presiding over crops, grains, food, and the fertility of the earth. Although s ...

. The observance of Eikas has recently been revived among modern Epicureans and

humanists Humanism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the individual and social potential and agency of human beings. It considers human beings the starting point for serious moral and philosophical inquiry. The meaning of the term "humanis ...

. It is considered a feast day dedicated to the enjoyment of friendship, happiness, and pleasure. Friends of the school are urged to visit and commune with each other and to receive one another with the customary greeting ''Happy Twentieth!''. Modern observances may include toasts to the memory of Epicurus and Metrodorus and other departed friends accompanied by libations in a symposial setting, followed by music, banqueting, and philosophical conversation on a theme related to Epicurean philosophy.

References

Epicureanism Humanism Unofficial observances {{AncientGreece-stub