Babylonian Month of June-July

[neptunesdolphins]

 The fourth month of the Babylonian year is named for the God of Fertility and Shepherds. With the advent of the hot, dry season, the month of mid-June to mid-July is called “Dumuzi (Tammuz).” For this month of summer, Dumuzi goes to the Netherworld to live for six months. The months between June and September are the months that the Dead can roam among the living. This was the time of ghosts and rituals against prolonged illnesses.

 

On the 18th day of this month, the statue of Ishtar (Dumuzi’s wife) is washed, and Dumuzi’s one is anointed in oil. Starting on the 25th day, people honored his death. On the “Day of the Striking,” Dumuzi’s statue is displayed. During “The Day of the Screaming,” people wailed for Him. On “The Day He is caught,” barley is burned and his statue is thrown out the main gate. (This refers to the Galla coming from the Underworld to fetch the God.) On the “Day of the Stall (where He was captured),” Dumuzi’s statue lies in state. At this time, a priest whispers prayers into the statue’s ears. Then on the last day, “Day of Redemption,” the fields are cleared (the Dead Dumuzi). Afterwards, symbolic sowing of the fields for the next harvest is done (the Reborn Dumuzi).

 

At the Solstice, a ritual to adjust the imbalance between day and night is conducted. This was the time when the moon appeared at the shortest period during the night. The Daughters of the Esagil (the House of Day), Sillushtab and Katuna move to the Ezida (the House of the Night). Meanwhile the Daughters of the Night, Gazababa and Gunisurra go to the House of the Day to strengthen the night.