APHRODITE

BIOGRAPHY was the goddess of love, beauty and

fertility. She was also a protectress of sailors.

Hesiod said that, Aphrodite was born from sea-foam. Mean while Homer said that she was the daughter of Zeus and Dione.

GODDESS SYMBOLS AND SACRED OBJECTS OF APHRODITE

Goddess symbols, individualized for each goddess, were incorporated into the worship of the ancient goddesses, were often worn as jewelry, and also used in the household decor as talismans to seek the goddesses special gifts, blessings, or protection.  A large number of goddess symbols have survived in statuary and other works of art.

Many of the symbols cam from legends surrounding a specific goddess and were “characters” in her story.

Other symbols were derived from rituals used in the ancient rites of worship of these pagan goddesses

General: Scallop shell, seashells, mirrors, golden apples, the Evening Star (planet Venus), Number 5, the ocean, and the triangle

Animals: Dolphin, swan, dove, sparrow, bees, and goats

Plants: Rose (especially any fragrant rose), quince, myrtle, mint and grape (fruit, leaves, and vines), apples, artichokes, laurel, ash and poplar trees

Perfumes/Scents:

Stephanotis, musk, verbena, vanilla, incense, vervain, and roses

Gems and Metals:

Pearls, gold, aquamarine, rose quartz, jade, sapphire, silver, and copper

Colors: Red, pink, violet, silver, aqua, pale green (seafoam), and any shade of light  blue

HYMNS TO APHRODITE

Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th to 4th B.C.) :"Moisa (Muse), tell me the deeds of golden Aphrodite Kypria (Cyprian), who stirs up sweet passion in the gods and subdues the tribes of mortal men and birds that fly in air and all the many creatures that the dry land rears, and all the sea: all these love the deeds of rich-crowned Kythereia. [The story of the love of Aphrodite and Ankhises follows.] . . .Hail, goddess, queen of well-builded Kypros (Cyprus)! With you have I begun; now I will turn me to another hymn.“

Homeric Hymn 6 to Aphrodite :"I will sing of stately Aphrodite, gold-crowned and beautiful, whose dominion is the walled cities of all sea-set Kypros (Cyprus). There the moist breath of Zephyros the western wind wafted her over the waves of the loud-moaning sea in soft foam, ad there the gold-filleted Horai (Seasons) welcomed her joyously. [The story of the birth of Aphrodite follows.] . . .Hail, sweetly-winning, coy-eyed goddess! Grant that I may gain the victory in this contest, and order you my song. And now I will remember you and another song also.“

Homeric Hymn 10 to Aphrodite :"Of Kythereia [Aphrodite], born in Kypros (Cyprus), I will sing. She gives kindly gifts to men: smiles are ever on her lovely face, and lovely is the brightness that plays over it. Hail, goddess, queen of well-built Salamis and sea-girt Kypros; grant me a cheerful song. And now I will remember you and another song also."

FAST FACTS ON: APHRODITE

Just who is Aphrodite, anyway? Here is a quick introduction to the Greek goddess of love.

Aphrodite's Appearance: Aphrodite is a gorgeous, perfect, eternally young woman with a beautiful body.

Aphrodite's Symbol or Attribute: Her Girdle, which has magical powers to compel love.

Strengths: Potent sexual attractiveness, dazzling beauty.

Weaknesses: A bit stuck on herself, but with a perfect face and body, who can blame her?

Aprhodite's Husband: Hephaestus, the lame smith-god. Also associated with Ares, god of War.

Children: The son of Aphrodite is Eros, who is both a Cupid-like figure and an early major god.

Interesting Fact: The island of Cyprus has many places believed to have been enjoyed by Aphrodite when she was on earth. Recently, the Cypriots have revived a tourist-friendly version of some of Aphrodite's festivals at the town of Paphos.

APHRODITE FAMILY TREE & PICTURES

WHERE MY INFORMATION CAME FROM. . .

http://www.mythweb.com/gods/aphrodite.html

http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess_symbols_aphrodite.htm

http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Aphrodite.html

http://gogreece.about.com/cs/mythology/a/mythaphrodite.htm

Google Images

BY: KENYA 3RD PERIOD