wasmi.net

The galli (or gallae) impressed observers with their fine raiment and elaborate hairstyles and jewelry. They were nicknamed "the longhaired ones" and reserved their hair for Cybele's honour, occasionally sacrificing a lock on Her altar. They believed that Cybele would only accept offerings of blond hair, so they dyed their hair if it wasn't already that colour. They served as diviners, healers, counselors and ritual leaders, offering prayers, songs, poetry and dance to the Goddess and Her lover, Attis. They were artists, musicians and dramatists, and were considered to exist between the world of the Sacred and the Mundane realm that most people inhabit. They exhibited qualities of male and female genders. Being eunuchs, they were neither male nor female, but could encompass all possibilities. A touch or a blessing from them was considered extremely fortunate for the recipient.