When you hear the word “Hermes,” what comes to mind? Is it the luxury fashion brand known for its iconic Birkin bags and silk scarves? Or perhaps it’s the Greek god of commerce, messenger of the gods, and patron of travelers and thieves?
Interestingly enough, “Hermes” is actually a name that has existed long before either of these associations. In fact, it has its origins in ancient Greek mythology.
According to mythology, Hermes was one of the twelve Olympian gods and was born to Zeus and Maia. He was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to move freely between the mortal world and the divine realm.
In addition to his role as messenger of the gods, Hermes was also associated with commerce, fertility, and even trickery. He was often depicted wearing winged sandals and a traveler’s cap.
Fast forward to modern times, and we see the name “Hermes” take on a new meaning in popular culture. In 1837, Thierry Hermès founded a company in Paris that specialized in creating high-quality leather goods such as saddles and harnesses for horses.
Over time, Hermès expanded into other areas such as fashion accessories, clothing, perfumes, and even home decor. Today, it is one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world with a loyal following of fashion enthusiasts.
But what about the connection between the name “Hermes” and this fashion brand? It turns out that Thierry Hermès named his company after himself – but more specifically after his surname which derived from his German ancestors who were originally from Cologne (Köln), Germany where they were known as von Hermès.
So while “Hermes” may be most commonly associated with luxury fashion today, its roots can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology where it represented speed, agility, and communication – traits that are still relevant and admired in modern society.