This section is from "The American Cyclopaedia", by George Ripley And Charles A. Dana. Also available from Amazon: The New American Cyclopędia. 16 volumes complete..
Adonia, feasts anciently held in honor of Venus and Adonis. They lasted two days; the first was spent in tears and lamentations, the second in mirth and feasting. The festival typified the dying and resurrection of nature.
 
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