God of wine

Grapes for the inhabitants of ancient Greece was a symbol of the abundance of plant life. The God of Wine among the Greeks and Romans has the same characteristics and stories. Even in ancient times people noticed that fermented grape juice has the ability to amuse a person. It was grapes that were the main symbol of these gods.

Greek god of wine Dionysus

In myths, Dionysus is described not only as the god of winemaking, but also joy, and fraternal rapprochement of people. He had the power to pacify the wild spirits of the forest and animals, and he also helps people to overcome their own suffering and gives inspiration. It is important to consider that ecstasy can lead to clouding of the mind. The God of wine Dionysius was the youngest of the Olympians, and he differed from others in that his mother was a mortal woman. Its symbolic plants were the vine, spruce, ivy and figs. Among the animals you can distinguish a bull, goat, deer, panther, lion, leopard, tiger, dolphin and snake. Represented Dionysus in the image of a child or a young man, who is wrapped in animal skins. On his head is a wreath of ivy or grapes. In the hands of the tiers is a rod, the tip of which is represented by a spruce cone, and along the entire length it is adorned with ivy or grapes.

The companions of the ancient Greek god of wine were priestesses, called maenads. In all, there were about 300 people, and they formed a certain army of Dionysus. Their spears were disguised as tiers. They are known for tearing Orpheus. There is another name for the maenads - fiades, and they are known for participating in the orgies dedicated to Dionysus.

God of wine Bacchus

In the mythology of Ancient Rome, this god is the patron of vineyards, wine and winemaking. Bacchus was originally a fertility god. His wife is Libera, giving help to wine growers and winemakers. These gods have their own holiday, called liberals. Celebrated it on March 17. The Romans brought bounties to Bacchus, as well as theatrical performances, processions and large feasts. Rites of worship were often accompanied by insane orgies. People first ripped pieces of raw meat, and after eating it, which symbolized Bacchus.

The appearance of the Roman deity is almost identical to Dionysus. Bacchus also represented a young man with a wreath on his head and a wand. There are also images where he is in a chariot drawn by panthers and leopards. Since childhood, Bacchus was a pupil of Silenus - a half-man, who was engaged in the education of God, and also accompanied him on his travels.