Hera renewed her virginity by bathing annually in the spring Kanathos, located in Argolis, near Nauplia. This ritual was a holy secret (aporrheta) central to the mysteries celebrated in her honor. The act mirrored the bride's ritual cleansing before marriage, symbolizing a fresh start and renewed purity each year.
The yearly bathing in the Kanathos was more than just a physical cleansing; it was a symbolic rebirth for the goddess. This ritual was deeply intertwined with her role as the goddess of marriage and childbirth, suggesting a constant renewal of her own marital vows and fertility. The "bride-bath" comparison underscores the importance of purity and new beginnings within the context of marriage in ancient Greek culture. The mysteries surrounding Hera's rejuvenation were kept secret, further emphasizing the sacred nature of this annual event.
