Charites

The name and number of goddesses associated with the Charites varied, although they usually numbered three. Alternate names to Aglaea, Euphrosyne, and Thalia given in literature included: Damia ("Earth Mother"), Auxesia ("Spring Growth"), Cleta ("Renowned"), Phaenna ("Bright"), Hegemone ("Leader"), Peitho ("Persuasion"), Paregoros ("Consolation"), Pasithea ("Relaxation"), Charis ("Grace"), and Kale ("Beauty"). Alternatively, an ancient vase painting attests the following names as: Antheia ("Blossoms"), Eudaimonia ("Happiness"), Euthymia ("Good Mood"), Eutychia ("Good Luck"), Paidia ("Play"), Pandaisia ("Banquet"), and Pannychis ("Night Festivities"), all refer to the Charites as patronesses of amusement and festivities.

 

Euthymia

Dances to the drums

And smiles all the time,

Pasithea listens to lyras

And drinks wine.

Paidia plays with children

Under the sunlight,

Cleta recites poetry,

Phaenna has lips painted red,

Charis stands in a strikingly elegant pose,

Antheia has jasmin flowers in her hair,

Eutychia rolls the dice,

Pannychis carries food and drink

Under the moonlight,

Auxesia reeks of roses and cherry blossom,

Damia enjoys her dark green dress,

Hegemone is the fastest runner

Eudaimonia resonates with the summer wind,

Charis has a charming smile,

Kale has the most refined hands and fingers.

Pandaisia tastes fresh fruit.

Paregoros brings peace and quiet.

 

All these graceful creatures

Symbolize beauty and joy

And are part of a huge legend.