By
Ellen Lorenzi-Prince © 2003
Bright
Goddess, come, with Summer's rich increase
Swelling and pregnant, leading smiling Peace
Orphic Hymn,
ca. 300 BCE – 150 CE
Demeter
was goddess of agriculture and of all civilization based upon it. She taught
people the use and the production of plant foods, and the domestication of
animals, giving them the gift of abundant life. She gave also her daughter, and
together they brought to humanity the mystery and promise of rebirth. She
desired peace and the celebration of natural order.
Image source: Greek
Terra Cotta Plaque, ca. 500 – 400 BCE
