Hermes, also known as Mercury in Roman mythology, is a Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and boundaries. He is often depicted wearing a winged helmet and sandals. One of the most interesting facts about Hermes is his birthday.
According to Greek mythology, Hermes was born on the fourth day of the month of Thargelion, which falls between late April and early May. His birth is said to have occurred in a cave on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia.
Legend has it that when Hermes was just a few hours old, he left his mother Maia and went out to explore the world. He came across a herd of cows owned by Apollo and decided to steal them. To avoid being caught, he disguised himself by putting branches on his feet to make it look like he walked backward.
When Apollo discovered that his cows were missing, he went on a search for them. When he found Hermes and asked him if he had seen them, Hermes denied any involvement. Apollo didn’t believe him and took him to Zeus for punishment.
Zeus found Hermes innocent but was impressed by his cunningness and wit. He declared that Hermes would be the messenger of the gods and protector of travelers. From then on, Hermes became one of the most important gods in Greek mythology.
To celebrate his birthday, ancient Greeks would hold festivals in honor of Hermes called Hermaea. The festival included athletic competitions such as foot races and wrestling matches. It was also an occasion for merchants to display their goods and sell them.
In modern times, people still celebrate Hermes’ birthday in different ways around the world. Some hold parties or rituals to honor him while others pay homage through art or literature.
In conclusion, Hermes’ birthday falls on the fourth day of Thargelion between late April and early May according to Greek mythology. His birth story is one filled with adventure and cunningness that has made him an important figure in Greek mythology. The Hermaea festival held to celebrate his birthday is still celebrated today in different ways.