First dawn of Spring!
Orphic Hymn to the Horai
Anonymous (ca. 200 CE?), translated by Barbara Nolan
The Horai are the Greek Deities of the seasons and companions of Persephone.
They are not personification of the seasons themselves, but rather the Deities who keep the year in good working order, making sure that things happen at the appointed time.
They have other functions, as well – Dike is the Deity of Justice, Eunomia of Natural Order, and Eirene of Peace – but here they are asked to bring fertility to the Earth.
Horai, daughters of Themis and Father Zeus,
O Eunomia, Dike, Eirene of the many blessings,
Holy Spirits of the Flowering Meadow,
Beautiful, many-coloured, many-scented, sweet-breathed,
Always flourishing,
Draped all in dew-studded dresses,
You dance hand-in-hand in a ring.
Rejoicing in flowers,
You are the companions of blessed Persephone when she is at play,
When the Fates and the Graces lead Her in a spiralling dance toward the light,
To the delight of Zeus and Mother Demeter who makes the fruit grow.
Come to the new initiates at our pious rites,
And bring with you flawless seasons full of good fruit.
Source: Year of Pagan Prayer by Barbara Nolan
The Horae – Goddesses of the Seasons in Greek Mythology
