Wednesday, 15 January 2014

Greek Columns



Did you know the ancient Greeks only had three seasons? The Hourae were sisters; minor goddesses in charge of guarding the gates of Olympus, encouraging the fertility of the earth, and keeping order in the cosmos. Thallo was the first. Her name means “She who brings flowers.” She was the goddess of spring and the protector of young children. Auxesia, “She who brings increase,” came next, as the summer turns blossoms into fruit and sprouts into fields of ripening grain. Their sister Xarpo, the best of all, ushered in a bountiful harvest. I used to think the Greeks were simply ignoring winter. Who can blame them? Wouldn’t you like to skip from the rich, golden days of autumn straight to the freshness of spring and avoid what lies between? I checked the weather report for Greece this morning. They expect a high of 61 Fahrenheit and a low of 55. Hmm. Maybe they’re on to something.

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