As it has been mentioned in a previous article, Hermes, the Greek God of commerce and travel, has been depicted in foreign currencies. His native country, Greece, has also honoured Him by dedicating a number of different banknotes to His image.
Pichi and Avo are an artistic duo from Valencia, Spain. For the past eleven years, they have been creating unique street art; images of stunning colour and vibrance. Their work often includes the Gods of the Hellenic Pantheon, with their famous statues perfectly incorporated into a modern context- one more indication that the Hellenic spirit is timeless and will always influence art and creativity. PichiAvo's official website is here, and they also have a Facebook page.
A hymn dedicated to Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and spiritual ascension.
The hymn starts at 00: 36. It is a free adaptation in modern Greek. The English translation of the actual ancient text is below the video.
Ourania, of whom many sing, laughter-loving Aphrodite, sea-born, birth- giving Goddess, friend of romantic encounters which last until dawn, Holy One, who makes mortals come together at night, wily Mother of Necessity, for everything comes from You, and You have caused the Cosmos to procreate. You are Sovereign over the three realms, and You are the Origin of everything : That which is in the Sky, in the fruitful Earth and in the deep Sea, Holy attendant of Bacchus. You delight in festivity, nuptial Mother of the Erotes, oh, Seductive One, who enjoys making Love, secretive, Giver of Joy, obvious yet hidden, aristocratic Daughter with the beautiful hair, romantic companion at the table of the Gods, Siren of Love bearing a royal staff, You give us our progeny, Lover of man, desirable One, Giver of Life. You couple mortals in unbridled necessity, and the many kinds of wild beasts are in a frenzy from Your charms of love; Come, Daughter of Cyprus, seated in the Heavens, we behold You, royal Goddess, splendid with your beautiful countenance. Whether you be on your throne in Syria, rich in frankincense, or riding through the plain on your golden chariot, or flanked by Your priests at the fruitful river of Egypt, or riding your swan-drawn carriage upon the waves of the Sea, delighting in the marine creatures as they dance about in circles. You rejoice in the dark-eyed Nymphs of the Earth as they lightly leap upon the sandy beaches of the sea shore. Or when seated in Cyprus, oh Queen and Nurturer, where Your blessings are invoked by maidens and unwedded Nymphs throughout the year ; They sing for You, Blessed One, and immortal holy Adhonis, come, Happy Goddess, who is so ineffably beautiful, for I summon you with pure words and devout soul.
Youngest son of Zeus, Dionysus is the God of spiritual ecstasy. He taught mankind to dive into the depths of their psyche, in order to reach their highest spiritual potential. Apart from His mystical role, Dionysus is also the God of wine and vine cultivation- leading a large number of ancient communities to thrive financially.
1000-franc French banknote, with Demeter and Dionysus.
500- franc banknote from the Bank of Algeria and Tunisia. Dionysus is depicted with one of His sacred animals.
50-pound Lebanese banknote. The image is a temple of Dionysus.
1000-franc banknote from the Bank of Algeria and Tunisia, with a temple of Dionysus,along with a relief of dancing Maenads.
Zeus - the Father of Gods and men. He is the Leader of the Hellenic Pantheon, the One who commands thunder and lightning. Wise and protective towards those who ask for His guidance, He is a fierce punisher of wrong- doers and oath- breakers. Zeus is the most imposing figure of the Hellenic Religious Tradition. His country, Greece, has issued plenty of banknotes with his majestic image.
2-drachma Greek banknote, issued when Greece was still a Kingdom.
500,000 -drachma Greek banknote, with the head of Zeus.
20- drachma Greek banknote, with a rather unusual depiction of Zeus.
1000-drachma Greek banknote, with the profile of Zeus.
100- drachma Greek banknote, issued by the Bank of Crete. Zeus is depicted along with King Georgios of Greece.
1000-drachma Greek banknote, which depicts the head of one of the most well-known statues of Zeus.
Special Greek collector's edition; 100-euro coin ,where Zeus is seen with His thunderbolt.
God Hermes, son of Zeus, is the messenger between his Divine kin and mankind. Swift both in body and mind, Hermes is the Protector of both merchants and thieves, and Patron of shepherds. This article focuses most on French and Italian banknotes ; both countries share deep connections to the ancient Hellenic past and have frequently hosted the images of the Gods on their currency.
10- piastre colonial Italian banknote, with the head of God Hermes.
5- piastre colonial banknote from Sudan, with the same imagery as above.
1000-franc French banknote. Hermes overseeing the marine trade.
500- lire Italian banknotes, where the God is depicted with His winged cap.
1000- franc French banknote, with the potraits of Hermes and Athena.
500- franc banknote, where Hermes is seen holding His caduceus.
5-drachma banknote, issued by Italy during WWII for Greece, while the latter was under occupation.
1000-franc French banknote, where Hermes is seen as having wings.
The Muses, or Mousai, are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (sister of Hyperion and Rheia). They are often referred to as Heliconian and Pierian, to mark the seats of their earliest worship (Pieria, near Olympos and Mount Helicon in Boeotia).
They are listed by name (Theogony 77) but the specific attributes of each goddess were added by later poets: Kleio, history Euterpe, flute playing Thaleia, comedy Melpomene, tragedy Terpsichore, dance Erato, love poems Polymnia, sacred music Ourania, astrology Kalliope, epic poetry (she holds the highest rank of the Muses) Kalliope attends the birth of kingly nobles and gives (or withholds) the gift of the Muses as the immortals deem fit (Theogony, 80). Mere mortals who are blessed by the Muses, can use the beauty of their song, or the grace of their dance to heal the sick and comfort the heartbroken.
One story says that a singer and poet named Thamyris challenged the Muses. He mocked them and made light of their skills. For his insolence, Thamyris was maimed and lost his memory. He could no longer remember his songs or his poems. The Muses can bestow the gift of talent and insight but they can also, viciously, revoke their blessings. King Pierus boasted that his daughters rivaled the Muses in beauty and talent, they (all nine of his daughters) were turned into magpies. The Muses attend the festivals on Olympos and entertain and inspire the other Gods with their wit and charm. Apollo puts aside his bow and plays the lyre, as the Graces join in the dance of the Immortals.
Zeus is the Father of the gods. He is the God of the sky, weather, law and order, destiny and fate, and kingship. He is depicted as a regal, mature man with a sturdy figure and dark beard. His usual attributes were a lightning bolt, a royal sceptre and an eagle.
Zeus Ammon, the merging of the Greek god Zeus with the Egyptian god Amun, was worshipped widely across the classical world from Thebes, Delphi, and Arcadia, through to Egypt and Libya in the form of a ram's head, or a god with ram's horns. Alexander the Great was once declared "The Son Of Ammon" by the Oracle of Delphi. 18 karat gold and diamond brooch of Zeus-Ammon (Mid-20th century, Wander & Co., Paris)
Goddess of agriculture and abundance, Demeter is the One who rules over prosperity and wealth. Sister of Zeus, she protects the crops and ensures that both individuals and communities thrive. It is therefore not surprising that her statues and images adorn both banknotes and coins . France,a country with strong Hellenic influences in its history, has quite often honoured Demeter, by issuing banknotes and coins with her image.
1000-franc French banknote, where Demeter is seen holding the infant Hercules.
50-franc French banknote, where the Goddess is depicted with natural adornments .
500- franc banknote. Demeter is seen along with Goddess Athena.
5000- franc banknote. Demeter next to the sea Goddess Amphitrite. The riches of land and sea are represented as united by the two Divine Women.
A golden 20-franc French coin, with the head of Demeter.
French 2-franc coin,with an elegant profile of Goddess Demeter.
