An ancient Greek Canephorus (also Kanephoros, Canephorae, Κανηφόρος and Κανηφόροι) or basket bearer who was specially chosen to lead the procession carrying ritual sacrifice implements especially to rites relating to Dionysus and at other major festivals. The honour was given to unmarried women ( virgins) in a similar way that most May Queens are chosen in Britain. Most were chosen from the Eupatridae (Greek aristocracy). The basket kanoun (κανοῦν) contained offerings of barley or fruit, the sacrificial knife and items to decorate the sacrificial bull -

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