Translated by Catherine Proppe, May 21, 2015
53. Ἀμφιετοῦς,
θυμίαμα πάντα πλὴν λιβάνου καὶ σπένδε γάλα.
To the Encircling Year
Divine connection: all kinds (except frankincense) and sponde of milk
Ἀμφιετῆ καλέω Βάκχον, χθόνιον Διόνυσον,
The encircling year[1] calls forth Bakchos[2], earth’s Dionysos[3],
ἐγρόμενον κούραις ἅμα νύμφαις εὐπλοκάμοισιν,
Awakening cropped growth as one with fair-haired Nymphs[4],
ὃς παρὰ Περσεφόνης ἱεροῖσι δόμοισιν ἰαύων
He who sleeps in Persephone’s[5] holy domain
κοιμίζει τριετῆρα χρόνον, Βακχήιον ἁγνόν.
Put to rest triennially[6], in time, the Bakchian is purified[7]
αὐτὸς δ' ἡνίκα τὸν τριετῆ πάλι κῶμον ἐγείρηι,
In solitude over time reaching fulfilment then triennially all riotously awakening,
εἰς ὕμνον τρέπεται σὺν ἐυζώνοισι τιθήναις
He is hymned in turn with well-bound training[8]
εὐνάζων κινῶν τε χρόνους ἐνὶ κυκλάσιν ὥραις.
Good rest set in motion in time in cycling seasons.
ἀλλά, μάκαρ, χλοόκαρπε, κερασφόρε, κάρπιμε Βάκχε,
So, happy, tender-fruited, horn-bearing, fertile Bakchos,
βαῖν' ἐπὶ πάνθειον τελετὴν γανόωντι προσώπωι
Dance upon the Pantheion[9], with perfect, renewed countenance,
εὐιέροις καρποῖσι τελεσσιγόνοισι βρυάζων.
Most holy fruit complete the birth swelling[10].
[1] The Great Dionysia (Διονύσια τὰ Μεγάλα) takes place at the Spring Equinox (new growth), celebrating the New Year. The Agrarian Dionysia (Διονύσια τὰ κατ' ἀγρούς) takes place at the Winter solstice (vine pruning).
[2] Bakchos is the immortal God of wine and its effects, literally: basis (Β) + arising (ά) + core (κ) + foundation (χ) + entity (ος). Wine is a staple of the ancient diet.
[3] Dionysos (Διόνυσον) is another name for Bakchos: doubly (Δι) + useful/advantageous/beneficial (ὄνησις).
[4] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who prevail over a particular location in nature.
[5] Persephone is the immortal Goddess who presides over the afterlife and new life in Spring.
[6] Triennial means either three times per year or every third year. Grape vines must be consistently pruned in order to nurture a good harvest.
[7] “Purified” refers to the practice of pruning the vines. http://www.grapegrowingguide.com/grape-pruning.html
[8] Grapevines are trained to grow on supports.
[9] Pantheion means all the Goddesses and Gods.
[10] The swelling of the grape as it ripens.
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