The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1888-03-02
written for the MONITOR.
BACCErUs.



was 40 history, either written or monu-
mental. The second extended to the be-
ginning of computation of time, or to the
introduction Of the Olympiad into chfo-
nology. OF this period there remains only
oral tradition. The third extended through
the subsequent times. OF this period a
genuine and Trustworthy history is record
ed. To the second or fabulous period be
longed those distinguished persenages
called Heroes. On this account it is some
times called the Haroic Age These heroes
selves by discovering new countries, found
ing cities, improving manners and morals,
or ins way comforting lasting benefit on
mankind. They rose by heroic actions
above tile common level OF mankind, and
were believed to have been endowed with
extraordinary powers of body and mind.
Their exploits and achievements, embel
lisbed and exaggerated by poets, we're pre-
served in grateful remembrance by the
masses, and banded down 10 posterity as a
deserving tribute. In course Of time fic-
that were snper-human. Then, credniity,
ever ready to venerate the marvellous, be-
lieyed them to be the sons of gods, and fl
nally The gods themselves. They were
honored with temples and priests, and with
appropriate festivals and mysteries.
Among these deifed heroes as Baechns. He
was probably some ancient conqueror aud
civilian Of the Eastern nations whose con-
quests were Of a pacific nature. Where
ever he extended dominion lie taught the
art of agriculture, and especially the eGi-
ture Of the grape and the method Of con-
yerting its jnice into wine. After death
he was esteemed the special patron of the
vine, aud hence, as the god of vine. As a
divine being he symbolized the unseen
power operating ON the sap of vegetation.
In confidence of his benign influence, the
vine dresser suspended from stakes little
images of the god, believing III whatever
way his face was turEed he wonld promote
the growth of the vine.
The worship Of Bacehus was universal
lie was associated with Ceres in the nys
tic rites OF the EIeusiuian mysteries from
belief that, TO him, spring was season of
joy and gladness, and winter season OF
sorrow. Extrayagaat stories were asso-
ciated with his birth, and wild excuses
with his worship. The Greeks paid him
homage under the name OF Dionyslns.
He was supposed to be a son Of Jupiter
and Semele, daughter of Cadmus the
founder of Thebes. Here, the lawful wife
Of Jupiter, moved by jealousy, induced
Semele to persuade Jupiter to visit her in
his proper form aud majesty as god of the
thunder and lightning when size was con-
sumed by his fiery splendor. Jupiter,
however, saved alive the infant Baechus
not vet born. and carried him ia his own
thigh until The proper time OF his birth.
In order that the infant child might es-
cape the cruelty of Here he commissioned
Mercury, the messenger of the gods, to
convey him TO place called Nyea. where
were certain nymphs, and commit him TO
the care of Siienus. The childhood of
Bsechus was spent among the nymphs,
satyrs and herdsmen OF Nyea, and was re-
markablc FOR innocence and happiness. 1t
was here lie first Taught the cultivation of
the vine. and prepared intoxicating drink
f-.., 81 In. f.aS yrpfH flta
cultivation Of the vine, he afterward tray
eled. far and wide. through all lands. ev-
erywhere teaching its cultivation, and
many other useful arts. His exploits on
these journeys partake of the marvellous
For favors received, he conferred on Mi
das. king of Phrygia, the attribute of turn
ing to gold everything he touched. He
transformed the TyFrhenian sailors into
doiplins for attempting to obstrnct his
passage into Naxos. Bacchus came to be
regarded as the source of happiness that
iioss from the enjoyment of the product of
the vine Festivals held in his honor We're
occasions of gaiety and mirth. These fes-
rivals gave rise tn attempts at dramatic
performances, and hence he came to be
considered the god of the theatre as well as
OF wine. The worship Of Bacchns was ex-
travagant and debasing. Athens honored
him with four annual festivals called
Baeehanalia The first was held in De
cembcr at the close Of the season OF grape
gathering Licentiousness and drunken
ness characterized these occasions. Rustic
peasants afforded amusement and merri-
ment by attempting to dance on foil wine
skins smeared with oil Men and women,
clothed in natures garments, Joined in a
nocturnal and orgiastie procession The
second was held in January when the Dew
wine had been pressed from the grape
Women and girls called Bacchantes, acted
as priestesses on these occasions. Dis
guised in the skins Of beasts, with dishevel-
cd hair and flaming torches in their hands.
they made nocturnal procession 10 the
groves where the festivals were celebrated.
The third, called the flower festival, Was
held ia February At this time the
new wine was tested. and candidates in
itiated into the mysteries OF Bacchns.
Flowers were offered to the god. and pres
cnts made between friends A great pub
lie dinner was provided at the expense OF
the state, at which the guests, crowned