(ANSA) - Milan, July 28 - A symbol of the oldest known pagan rite in Italy was presented at the Expo world's fair over the weekend, in the shape of an ancient terracotta vase from the Sicilian village of Alcara Li Fusi.
    The vase is part of a Muzzuni (altar) decorated with barley stalks, fabric and jewels, and features prominently in the Muzzuni festival, which is held June 24 and dates back to the pagan traditions of ancient Greece.
    The festival was held in honor of Demeter (goddess of the grain harvest), Dionysus (god of the grape harvest), and Adonis (demi-god of beauty and desire) to propitiate earthly fertility and abundant crops. Alcara Li Fusi municipality has also sent a documentary and costumes made specifically for this year's Muzzuni festival, which generally involved dancing and chanting around the Muzzuni altar.