Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and messenger of the gods, was worshipped by many in ancient Greece. As with most gods in Greek mythology, offerings and sacrifices were made to Hermes to appease him and seek his blessings. Let’s take a look at some of the things that were sacrificed to Hermes.
Animals Sacrificed to Hermes:
In ancient Greece, sacrificing animals was a common way to honor the gods. The animals offered as sacrifices depended on the deity being worshipped. For Hermes, goats and sheep were the most commonly sacrificed animals.
These animals were usually young and healthy to ensure that they would be pleasing to the god. The animal would be killed by a priest or devotee using a knife or sword. The meat would then be cooked and consumed as part of a communal meal.
Fruits and Vegetables Offered to Hermes:
Apart from animal sacrifices, fruits and vegetables were also offered to Hermes. Fruits such as figs, grapes, apples, pomegranates, and olives were common offerings made to the god. Vegetables such as onions and garlic were also given as offerings.
Incense Burnt in Honor of Hermes:
Incense was another way in which people honored Hermes. Burning incense was believed to create a pleasing aroma that would attract the attention of the gods. Incense made with aromatic herbs such as myrrh and frankincense was used during rituals dedicated to Hermes.
Why Were These Things Sacrificed?
The offerings made to Hermes symbolized respect for his powers as well as requests for his blessings. Goats and sheep represented wealth since they were valuable commodities during ancient times. By sacrificing them, people hoped that their wealth would increase under the watchful eye of Hermes.
Fruits like figs and pomegranates were seen as symbols of fertility and abundance. By offering these fruits to Hermes, people hoped for prosperity in their lives.
Hermes was also known as the god of travelers and commerce. Burning incense during a journey was believed to provide protection and guidance from the god. Similarly, offerings made during business transactions were thought to ensure success.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, offerings made to Hermes played an essential role in ancient Greek religious practices. Animal sacrifices, fruits, vegetables, and incense were all used to honor the god of commerce and travel.
These offerings symbolized respect for his powers as well as requests for his blessings. Today, while animal sacrifices are no longer a common practice, people still make offerings to Hermes in various forms such as prayers or symbolic objects like coins or keys.