46. Λικνίτου, θυμίαμα μάνναν.
To the Cradle
Divine connection: manna/porous incense
This hymn may accompany a ritual procession of:
-The infant Dionysos in a cradle
-Nymphs crowned with ivy
-Ivy-crowned Aphrodite
-Choral dancers/Nymphs
-Zeus/Dios
-Phersephone/Persephone.
Λικνίτην Διόνυσον ἐπ’ ευχαῖς ταῖσδε κικλήσκω,
Cradled[1] Dionysian[2] upon prayers required I call,
Νύσιον ἀμφιθαλῆ, πεποθημένον, εὔφρονα Βάκχον,
Nysian[3], all-flourishing, trusted power, gracious Bacchian’[4]
νυμφῶν ἔρνος ἐραστὸν ἐυστεφάνου τ' Ἀφροδίτης,
Nymphs’[5] sprouts[6] beautifully crown Aphrodite[7],
ὅς ποτ' ἀνὰ δρυμοὺς κεχορευμένα βήματα πάλλες
Soaring woodland choral dancers’[8] measured steps
σὺν νύμφαις χαρίεσσιν ἐλαυνόμενος μανίηισι,
Synchronize, Nymphs’ charms incite mania
καὶ βουλαῖσι Διὸς πρὸς ἀγαυὴν Φερσεφόνειαν
And counseling Dios leads august Phersephone[9],
ἀχθεὶς ἐξετράφης φίλος ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.
Oppressed, detached-from-nurturing love of immortal deities,
εὔφρων ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, κεχαρισμένα δ' ἱερὰ δέξαι.
Graciously come, blessed charming holy power received.
[1] The liknon is a broad basket in which corn was placed after threshing and then throne against the wind to winnow the heavier grain from the lightweight chaff. The grain falls to the ground ready for collection and the chaff is blown away by the wind. The liknon is also used as a cradle, probably ritually representing both the infant Dionysos and the sacred process of winnowing.
[2] Dionysos is the immortal God of wine and its effects.
[3] Nysa is the name of several mountains sacred to Dionysos. Nyssa (νύσσᾰ) means the marker erected at either end of a race-course; turning-point; sharp point, suggesting that Dionysos may be a God of the ritualistic role of wine to mark turning points.
[4] Bacchos is another name for the immortal God of wine and its effects.
[5] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who preside over a particular location.
[6] The sprouts are probably grape vines formed into crowns.
[7] Aphrodite is the immortal Goddess of sexual passion, the urge to merge.
[8] Followers of Dionysos/Bacchos are characterized as dancing in woodlands.
[9] Phersephone/Persephone is the immortal Goddess of the afterlife and new life in Spring. Kidnapped by Pluto, the God of the afterlife, she was released when her mother, Demeter, threatened to destroy all life on earth by inhibiting the growth of plants.
To the Cradle
Divine connection: manna/porous incense
This hymn may accompany a ritual procession of:
-The infant Dionysos in a cradle
-Nymphs crowned with ivy
-Ivy-crowned Aphrodite
-Choral dancers/Nymphs
-Zeus/Dios
-Phersephone/Persephone.
Λικνίτην Διόνυσον ἐπ’ ευχαῖς ταῖσδε κικλήσκω,
Cradled[1] Dionysian[2] upon prayers required I call,
Νύσιον ἀμφιθαλῆ, πεποθημένον, εὔφρονα Βάκχον,
Nysian[3], all-flourishing, trusted power, gracious Bacchian’[4]
νυμφῶν ἔρνος ἐραστὸν ἐυστεφάνου τ' Ἀφροδίτης,
Nymphs’[5] sprouts[6] beautifully crown Aphrodite[7],
ὅς ποτ' ἀνὰ δρυμοὺς κεχορευμένα βήματα πάλλες
Soaring woodland choral dancers’[8] measured steps
σὺν νύμφαις χαρίεσσιν ἐλαυνόμενος μανίηισι,
Synchronize, Nymphs’ charms incite mania
καὶ βουλαῖσι Διὸς πρὸς ἀγαυὴν Φερσεφόνειαν
And counseling Dios leads august Phersephone[9],
ἀχθεὶς ἐξετράφης φίλος ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.
Oppressed, detached-from-nurturing love of immortal deities,
εὔφρων ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, κεχαρισμένα δ' ἱερὰ δέξαι.
Graciously come, blessed charming holy power received.
[1] The liknon is a broad basket in which corn was placed after threshing and then throne against the wind to winnow the heavier grain from the lightweight chaff. The grain falls to the ground ready for collection and the chaff is blown away by the wind. The liknon is also used as a cradle, probably ritually representing both the infant Dionysos and the sacred process of winnowing.
[2] Dionysos is the immortal God of wine and its effects.
[3] Nysa is the name of several mountains sacred to Dionysos. Nyssa (νύσσᾰ) means the marker erected at either end of a race-course; turning-point; sharp point, suggesting that Dionysos may be a God of the ritualistic role of wine to mark turning points.
[4] Bacchos is another name for the immortal God of wine and its effects.
[5] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who preside over a particular location.
[6] The sprouts are probably grape vines formed into crowns.
[7] Aphrodite is the immortal Goddess of sexual passion, the urge to merge.
[8] Followers of Dionysos/Bacchos are characterized as dancing in woodlands.
[9] Phersephone/Persephone is the immortal Goddess of the afterlife and new life in Spring. Kidnapped by Pluto, the God of the afterlife, she was released when her mother, Demeter, threatened to destroy all life on earth by inhibiting the growth of plants.
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