Thalia was the goddess of festivity and banquets. She was one of the three Kharites (Charites), along with her sisters Aglaea (representing beauty, glory, and splendor) and Euphrosyne (the personification of beauty and grace). Their father was Zeus, and sources debate whether their mother was the goddess of lawful order, Eunomia, or a number of other candidates such as Eurydome, Dionysus, or Aphrodite. The Greek word thalia is used as an adjective in regards to banquets to mean rich, plentiful, or luxurious. Thalia’s name also means “the blooming”, as in regard to springtime and the blossoming of flowers.
Being the goddess of festivity, Thalia is usually depicted as dancing in a circle with her two sisters. They are often holding or crowned with twigs of myrtle.
The Charites were goddesses that represented beauty, charm, and human creativity. They brought joy, festivity, and enhanced enjoyment. Individually, they were referred to as a Charis, or Grace. The Charites were attendants to Aphrodite and Hera, but they are also associated with the underworld. Aphrodite wore clothing made by the Charites into battle during the Trojan War.
In Sparta, Thalia was not worshipped as a one of the three Graces, or Charites. Instead, she was replaced by Cleta.
In some myths, the Korybantes are the offspring of Thalia and Apollo. The Korybantes were dancers that worshipped Cybele, a Phrygian goddess. Their worship involved drumming and dancing while heavily armed. Cephissus, a river near Delphi, was considered sacred to Thalia and her sisters, the Charites.
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