#Hyakintha

[hyakinthou-naos]

A photo from tonight’s Hyakíntha ritual - a written reflection will be coming tomorrow 🕯️

[hyakinthou-naos]

A couple of photos from my Hyakíntha Night 1 Ritual. The energy was both wonderful and mournful, and I felt Lord Apollo’s presence quite strongly before I even began my invocation.

If any of you hosted rituals tonight we would love to hear about them in our ask box!

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Aön

[hyakinthou-naos]

A couple of photos from my Hyakíntha Night 2 Ritual. The energy was more subdued than I expected, but the gentle energy of Hyacinths’ presence was wonderful.

If any of you hosted rituals tonight we would love to hear about them in our ask box!

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Aön

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha Day 3: Feasts and Mysteries - The Mustērion

Descriptions regarding the traditions of the third day of Hyakíntha are sparse, leaving some scholars to believe that it was a day dedicated to Mystery Cults and communal feasts.

To honor the Mystery Cults of old, The Temple will be celebrating this day with a secret ceremony that will not be shared online. We encourage our patrons and visitors to hold their own ceremonies in private, and refrain from describing them or posting about them. This day can be a day of reflection, of truly focusing on your practice and relationship with The Theoi outside of communal judgements or pressures.

Additionally, to incorporate the tradition of communal feasts, we have listed below 4 recipes that aim to mimic Hellenic Greek desserts.

Be advised that The Temple has not yet personally tested the following recipes - so we cannot speak to the consistency or taste of any of the foods listed below.

If any of our patrons or visitors do attempt the recipes listed below, we would love to hear how it went and what the foods tasted like! We hope to attempt these recipes in the near future - but are unable to at this time.

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

1. Seskoulou Plakous - Sesame-Honey Cakes

Ingredients:

1 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup honey

Optional: ground nuts (almonds or walnuts) & cinnamon

Instructions:

Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the sesame seeds until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Mix with Honey: In a bowl, mix the toasted sesame seeds with honey (If desired, add ground nuts and a pinch of cinnamon).

Shape the Cakes: Press the mixture into small cake shapes, about the size of a cookie.

Set: Let the cakes sit at room temperature until they firm up (this could take several hours)

Serve: Serve the cakes as a sweet treat or as an offering.

Historical Context:

This recipe is inspired by Ancient Greek offerings and festival foods - where sesame seeds and honey are thought to be common ingredients in various cakes and sweets used in religious rituals.

2. Melitoutta - Ancient Greek Cheesecake

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat flour

1/2 cup honey (plus extra for drizzling)

1 cup fresh, soft cheese (like ricotta or a soft goat cheese)

Note: you can substitute ricotta /soft goat cheese with cream cheese, but it will change the flavor and texture slightly. If substituting with cream cheese you may need to add milk or water to it to make the consistency similar to ricotta/soft goat cheese.

1 egg for binding (optional)

Instructions:

Make the Dough: Combine the wheat flour with 1/4 cup of honey and, if using, the egg. Mix until a dough forms.

Form the Base: Roll out the dough into a round shape and place it in a baking dish.

Top with Cheese: Spread the fresh cheese evenly over the dough base.

Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is slightly set.

Finish with Honey: Drizzle with the remaining honey and let cool slightly before serving.

Historical Context:

This recipe is adapted from description found in the words of Athenaeum’s and other ancient sources, where simple cheese and honey combinations were a popular dessert.

3. Glykanisous - Anise-Honey Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup wheat flour

1/2 cup honey

1 tsp anise seeds

1/4 cup olive oil

Water (as needed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: Mix the wheat flour, anise seeds, and olive oil in a bowl. Gradually add honey and water until a dough forms.

Shape the Cookies: Form the dough into small, flat cakes or cookies.

Bake: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool before serving

Historical Context:

Anise is believed to have been a popular flavoring in Ancient Greece, often used in both sweet and savory dishes. This recipe draws inspiration from descriptions of ancient baked goods flavored with honey and spices.

4. Oxygala with Honey and Figs

Ingredients:

1 cup strained yogurt

2 tbsp honey

Fresh or dried figs

Instructions:

Prepare the “Oxygala”: Take the yogurt and thin it slightly with a bit of milk or water to achieve a more liquid consistency, similar to oxygala.

Add Honey: Stir in the honey, adjusting the amount to taste.

Serve with Figs: Serve in bowls, topped with fresh or dried figs.

Historical Context:

Oxygala was a common fermented dairy product in Ancient Greece, similar to yogurt. It was often sweetened with honey and enjoyed as a simple dessert.

These recipes are reconstructed based on historical accounts, and while the exact measurements and methods may not be precisely as the ancients did, they aim to give a close approximation using available modern ingredients.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha Ritual: The Heortē

1. Ceremonial Garments

As we celebrate the resurrection of Prince Hyacinthus, we adorn ourselves in clothing that reflects our joy and celebration. Jewelry and adornments that honor Prince Hyacinthus and Lord Apollo are worn in abundance as an outward symbol of our joy. Warm shades of oranges, yellows, and whites remind us of the God of Prophecy - and cooler shades of greens and purples remind us of the Spartan Prince.

2. Khernips & Purification

Following the days events, we don our garments and parade to The Temple. We reach the steps and ramps of The Temple's entrance, both adorned with hyacinths, sunflowers, lavender, and larkspur. The Temple's doors are opened wide, music playing from within

The entrance chamber holds a bowl of water where flaming leaves of bay and laurel have been extinguished. The water splashes as we joyfully wash our hands in the lustral water, cleansing ourselves before we enter The Temple's center.

3. Gathering at the Altar

We proceed into The Temple's center; the music still playing softly as we enter. The altar is positioned in the center of the room, behind which stands the Temple's Steward - dressed in robes of purple. Chairs and pillows for seating are arranged in a semi-circle in front of the altar.

We take our seats

4. Opening Prayer & Deity Invocation

We settle into our chosen seats, as the music and conversations slowly fade away. The Steward stands behind the altar and lights the center candle, and speaks:

Hestia, great goddess of the ancients - Daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea - She who is honored before all others. We gather here today and ask that you accept this flame, as a humble offering to you. Hestia, goddess of hearth and home Lead our way, and light our path.

The Steward then moves to light the second candle, and raises their arms to the heavens, saying:

Lord Apollo, shinning god of light and prophecy Son of Lord Zeus and Lady Lêta Lover of Hyacinthus, for whom we celebrate today O bright and shining Lord, we ask that you accept this flame and grace us with your presence. We call upon you today, great god of music and healing, to bare witness to our ritual - as we celebrate the return of your love, the beautiful Hyacinthus, Prince of Sparta. May Lord Hermes carry these words from our lips, to your ears, on mighty Mount Olympus. Du et des, we give so you may give.

Lastly, the Steward moves to light the third candle and the ceremonial incense, and raises their arms to the heavens, saying:

O Hyacinthus, noble prince of Sparta, Son of Amyclas and Diomede, brother of Polyboia Beloved of Apollo, the divine son of Zeus O strong yet gentle Prince, we ask that you accept these offerings of flame and incense - and be with us today We call upon you, radiant prince of blooming flowers, to bear witness to our ritual - as we celebrate your return into the arms of your beloved. May Lord Hermes carry these words from our lips, to your ears, in the heavens where you live forever more.

5. Hymns & Music

As the Steward concludes their prayer, they open a book sat behind the altar - The Temple's book of hymns. The pages turn as the Hytheria settles on a passage, and begins to read:

A Hymn for Hyacinthus [Altered Version]

Oh to the lover of our Lord We see you in every shade of lavender We feel you in every warm spring breeze We understand you every time lovers look into each others eyes. How did he look - the Lord of the Muses - When you ran your fingers through his hair? How did it feel? To touch the sun To feel its warmth Oh how we envy you Oh how we honor you Oh how we rejoice in you Oh lover of our Lord

We Are For You; a Hymn to Lord Apollo [Altered Version]

Lord Phoebus He who shines light into our darkness, He who brings music to our souls. Who would we be without your graces? Who would we be without your love? Oh sweet Lord of all we hold dear - You have been with us - all the days of our lives Waiting patiently for our devotion. And we are here- Knees bent, Eyes closed, Heart open. We are for you, Lord Apollo - We are for you.

The Steward finishes his reading, placing the book back from whence it came, and arranges for the music to begin. Before starting the music, the Steward speaks:

I invite you all to listen to this music, and think of Lord Apollo, and Prince Hyacinthus. Think of how their love, though interrupted by fate, is everlasting. Think of how their dedication to each other is not diminished by their loving of others. Love is boundless, it is joy and lust and adventure - but it is also work and struggle and pain. All that is, is imperfect, even the Gods. Love is imperfection; love exists in multitudes; love is the power we feel here today.

While today we celebrate romantic love, platonic love is just as powerful - and love need not be romantic to be worth the effort.

I invite you all, in the center of this room or from the seats which you have chosen, to dance and be joyful. For today we celebrate love - in all its many forms.

Music begins to play, and the Steward joins the congregation in a dance of youthful joy.

6. Libations

As the music concludes, and the dancers return to their seats, the Steward places a large ceremonial bowl in the center of the participants. The Steward then returns with glasses filled with liquid, giving one to each of those in attendance. The Steward stands in front of the altar and speaks:

In honor and reverence of the ancient ways, we hold before us a libation of milk and water. As we pour these libations, we offer them to Prince Hyacinthus, and Lord Apollo. They who bring us joyous spring, they who show us unending love, they who hold our hands through sorrow - we offer this to them.

We all pour our libations into the center bowl, the liquids swirl and splash, as they all come together as one in the bowl's center.

7. Divination

[Ritual attendees/participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal divination with Prince Hyacinthus and/or Lord Apollo at this time.]

8. Closing Prayers

As the pouring of the libations concludes, the Steward returns to behind the altar. The Steward takes a moment to pause, before speaking:

With joy and laughter, with awe and amazement We conclude this evening rite We give thanks to radiant Lord Apollo, God of music and medicine And his beloved, Prince Hyacinthus, whose beauty and spirit are once again alive Lord Apollo, glorious archer, we thank you for your guiding light, For the wisdom and strength you gift to us, And for the music that stirs our hearts May you continue to inspire and protect us We give thanks to Prince Hyacinthus, he who is noble and pure We honor your return and celebrate you ascension to the heavens Your life, a testament to beauty - a beacon in the darkness, a refuge in the storm May your story echo within us, Reminding us of fleeting life and eternal love

The Steward raises their arms to the heavens, and once again speaks:

May the blessings of Apollo and Hyacinthus Guide us our paths, fill our hearts with joy, And guide us in harmony and peace.

The Steward lowers their arms and extinguishes the second candle, before speaking for a final time:

Hestia, first -

The Steward blows out the center candle.

- and last

And with that, the ritual is concluded.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha Ritual: The Pénthos

1. Ceremonial Garments

As we mourn the passing of our patron's consort, Prince Hyacinthus, we adorn ourselves in simple clothes of dark colors. We wear no jewelry, we partake in no adornments, we allow our grief to permeate the air. He who was all beauty, all light, and all focus of Our Lord Apollo's affections. He was all good, all kindness, all love. We bind our hair and don our veils as we proceed to Temple.

2. Khernips & Purification

We reach the steps and ramps of The Temple's entrance, it's wide white doors opened wide for our precession.

The entrance chamber holds a bowl of water where flaming leaves of bay and laurel have been extinguished. The water is cool as we wash our hands in the lustral water, cleansing ourselves before we enter The Temple's center.

3. Gathering at the Altar

We proceed into The Temple's center; there is music playing softly as we enter. The altar is positioned in the center of the room, behind which stands the Steward - dressed in black. Chairs and pillows for seating are arranged in a semi-circle in front of the altar, upon each is a hyacinth flower in full bloom.

We take our seats

4. Opening Prayer & Deity Invocation

As we settle into our chosen seats, the music fades away. The Steward stands behind the altar and lights the center candle, and speaks:

Hestia, great goddess of the ancients - Daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea - She who is honored before all others. O great goddess, we ask that you accept this flame as an offering to you. Hestia, goddess of hearth and home Lead our way, and light our path.

The Steward then moves to light the second candle, as well as the ceremonial incense. The wick ignites and sweetly scented smoke begins to fill the room. They raise their arms to the heavens, and speak:

Lord Apollo, wonderous god of music and poetry Son of Lord Zeus and Lady Lêta Lover of Hyacinthus, for whom we mourn O bright and shining Lord, we ask that you accept these offerings - flame and incense. We pray that they will ease your heart. We call upon you today, great god of prophecy and healing, to bare witness to our ritual - as we honor your fallen love. The great Prince Hyacinthus of Sparta, for whom these flowers honor. May Hermes carry these words from our lips, to your ears, on mighty Mount Olympus. Du et des, we give so you may give.

5. Hymns & Music

As the Steward concludes their prayer, they open a book sat behind the altar - Metamorphese by Ovid. The pages turn as the Steward opens to Book 10 - and begins to read:

You also, Hyacinthus, would have been set in the sky! if Phoebus had been given time which the cruel fates denied for you. But in a way you are immortal too. Though you have died. Always when warm spring drives winter out, and Aries (the Ram) succeeds to Pisces (watery Fish), you rise

and blossom on the green turf. And the love my father had for you was deeper than he felt for others. Delphi center of the world, had no presiding guardian, while the God frequented the Eurotas and the land of Sparta, never fortified with walls. His zither and his bow no longer fill

his eager mind and now without a thought of dignity, he carried nets and held the dogs in leash, and did not hesitate to go with Hyacinthus on the rough, steep mountain ridges; and by all of such associations, his love was increased. Now Titan was about midway, betwixt

the coming and the banished night, and stood at equal distance from those two extremes. Then, when the youth and Phoebus were well stripped, and gleaming with rich olive oil, they tried a friendly contest with the discus. First Phoebus, well-poised, sent it awhirl through air, and cleft the clouds beyond with its broad weight;

from which at length it fell down to the earth, a certain evidence of strength and skill. Heedless of danger Hyacinthus rushed for eager glory of the game, resolved to get the discus. But it bounded back from off the hard earth, and struck full against your face, O Hyacinthus! Deadly pale

the God's face went — as pallid as the boy's. With care he lifted the sad huddled form. The kind god tries to warm you back to life, and next endeavors to attend your wound, and stay your parting soul with healing herbs. His skill is no advantage, for the wound is past all art of cure. As if someone,

when in a garden, breaks off violets, poppies, or lilies hung from golden stems, then drooping they must hang their withered heads, and gaze down towards the earth beneath them; so, the dying boy's face droops, and his bent neck, a burden to itself, falls back upon his shoulder: “You are fallen in your prime

defrauded of your youth, O Hyacinthus!” Moaned Apollo. “I can see in your sad wound my own guilt, and you are my cause of grief and self-reproach. My own hand gave you death unmerited — I only can be charged with your destruction.—What have I done wrong? Can it be called a fault to play with you?

Should loving you be called a fault? And oh, that I might now give up my life for you! Or die with you! But since our destinies prevent us you shall always be with me, and you shall dwell upon my care-filled lips. The lyre struck by my hand, and my true songs will always celebrate you. A new flower

you shall arise, with markings on your petals, close imitation of my constant moans: and there shall come another to be linked with this new flower, a valiant hero shall be known by the same marks upon its petals.” And while Phoebus, Apollo, sang these words with his truth-telling lips, behold the blood

of Hyacinthus, which had poured out on the ground beside him and there stained the grass, was changed from blood; and in its place a flower, more beautiful than Tyrian dye, sprang up. It almost seemed a lily, were it not that one was purple and the other white. But Phoebus was not satisfied with this.

For it was he who worked the miracle of his sad words inscribed on flower leaves. These letters AI, AI, are inscribed on them. And Sparta certainly is proud to honor Hyacinthus as her son; and his loved fame endures; and every year they celebrate his solemn festival.

The Steward finishes his reading, placing the book back from whence it came, and arranges for the music to begin. Before starting the music, the Steward speaks:

I invite you all to listen to this music, and think of Prince Hyacinthus. Think of all the queer lovers who were taken from this world too soon. Think of all the queer lovers who cannot speak their truth aloud. Think of all the queer lovers, through which we can see Apollo and Hyacinthus. The Gods are with us, they are within us, if only we are to search for them. We are not separate from divinity, for we are all made from divinity.

Music begins to play, and the Steward beats his chest to rhythm of the song.

6. Libations

As the music concludes, the Steward places a large ceremonial bowl in the center of the participants. The Steward then returns with glasses filled with liquid, giving one to each of those in attendance. The Steward stands in front of the altar and speaks:

In honor and reverence of the ancient ways, we hold before us a libation of honey, water, and wine. As we pour these libations, we offer them to Prince Hyacinthus. He who was the lover of our Lord, he whose beauty was unrivaled, he who was taken far too soon.

We all pour our libations into the center bowl, the liquids flow together - some splashing onto the floor and our feet - and another song begins.

7. Divination

[Ritual attendees/participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal divination with Lord Apollo at this time.]

8. Closing Prayers

As the song finishes, the Steward returns to be behind the altar. They take a moment to pause, before speaking:

Hermes Psychopomp, guide of lost souls, we call to thee Guide the soul of Hyacinthus to the realms of Hades, where Queen Persephone reigns. Mighty Pluto, King of the Underworld, we call to thee Receive this soul with kindness and grant him peace in your domain. May his journey to the underworld be swift and gentle. Just Rhadamanthys, Fair Minos, and Honorable Aiakos - judges of the departed souls, we call to thee May Hyacinthus find rest in the Elysian Fields, may he know peace in the land of the dead, may he suffer no longer. O great gods of the underworld, we ask that you accept Hyacinthus, and that he may they find eternal rest and honor within your kingdom.

The Steward raises his arms to the heavens, and once again speaks:

Apollo Aegletus Shining Lord We Feel You In The Rising Sun Apollo Proupsius Foreseeing Lord We Trust Our Future Within Your Hands Apollo Musagetes Lord Of The Muses We Hear Your Voice In Song And Hymn Apollo Acesius Lord Of Healing We Trust In You To See Tomorrow Golden God We Sing Your Praise We Honor You And Speak Your Name Golden God We Beg Your Ear Be With Us And Keep Us Near Du Et Des

The Steward lowers his arms and extinguishes the second candle, before speaking for a final time:

Hestia, first -

They blow out the center candle.

- and last

And with that, the ritual is concluded.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha Day 1 Ritual Guide: Mourning and Preparation

1. Ceremonial Garments

The following is a recommendation, it is the choice of each worshipper what they wear throughout their day and during ritual.

Much like the modern western funeral rites of today, it was traditional for the ancients to wear dark colors when grieving. On this day of mourning wear dark colors or shades of black to mourn the passing of Lord Hyacinthus.

No jewelry or adornments are to be worn (save for those worn as part of an oath to the divine). Hair should be pulled up and heads should be covered or veiled.

2. Khernips & Purification

In the morning you should cleanse your physical body in whatever way is possible for you. Whether this is a shower - washing your face - or even just using a wipe to clean your hands - it is important to regard this day with respectful practice.

Before the ritual, it is traditional to wash ones hands with khernips (a bowl of sea water into which a flaming herb is extinguished). If sea water isn't something you have access to - mix table salt into a bowl of warm water and stir to combine.

Please note that it is perfectly acceptable to not use khernips, or to wash you hands with soap after using - or in place of - khernips.

3. Gathering at the Altar

Arrange the altar space. This should be a flat surface where you can comfortably sit or stand for the duration of the ritual.

There is no shame in sitting at a table or using a chair at your altar. Hephaestus Kyllopodiôn reminds us all that there is no shame in the need for accommodations or alterations to suit our bodies needs.

To follow along with the ritual practice, you will need:

Two candles of any kind

A cup for pouring your libation

A bowl to pour your libation into

A device through which you can play music (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.,)

Incense of any kind + an incense burner

If you do not have access to candles/incense - or cannot burn these items openly - an alternative that I have used in the past is drawing the items I do not have on a piece of paper and placing the drawing/s on my altar.

4. Opening Prayer & Deity Invocation

The ritual will start with an opening prayer to Hestia, Goddess of Hearth and Home - followed by an invocation to the God Apollo.

5. Hymns & Music

The ritual will proceed with a reading from Ovid's Metamorphese - Book Ten, subsection 'Hyacinthus' (free to read online here).

Following this reading, the song "Παῦσις" by Ancient World Music will be played in it's entirety (free to listen on YouTube here). During this time, we invite all attendees to listen to and meditate on the music. Borrowing from tradition, we also encourage attendees to lightly beat their chest to the beat of the music.

6. Libations

Certain ancient funeral rites included libations poured to the dead, consisting of milk, honey, water, wine, and other ingredients in varying quantities. For this ceremony, The Temple will be utilizing a mixture of water, honey, and white wine.

During this time, individualized prayers to Apollo and Hyacinthus are appropriate - and should be spoken before or during the pouring of the libation into the ceremonial bowl.

7. Divination

Following the pouring of libations, ritual attendees/participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal divination with Lord Apollo at this time.

8. Closing Prayers

The ritual will conclude with a closing prayer to Lord Apollo, a final lament for Lord Hyacinthus, and final offerings given to Lady Hestia.

At 7:00 pm EST we will be posting a detailed script of the ritual, and at 9:00 pm EST Hytheria Aon will be performing the ritual in his home. The Temple invites all participants, who are able, to hold their own rituals at this same time.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha 2024 - Festival Overview

Day 1: The Pénthos: Mourning and Preparation || August 6th ||

Traditionally, the first day of Hyakíntha was dedicated to mourning Hyacinthus. Offerings were made not only to Hyacinthus, but to the dead in general. This day was one of contemplation and solemn observance.

The Temple will be celebrating this day with a solemn and subdued ceremony (in the form of a text post), focused on reflection and remembrance.

[Ritual Guide Here]

[Actual Ritual Here]

Day 2: The Heortē - Celebration and Competition || August 7th ||

In ancient times, this day would be a day of athletic competitions and musical performances. These events were held in honor of Hyacinthus and Lord Apollo. Historically this was also a day that honored the youth of the community, especially young boys due to Apollo's domains.

The Temple will be celebrating this day with an involved and lively ceremony. Including music, art, and devotionals.

[Ritual Guide Here]

[Actual Ritual Here]

Day 3: The Mustērion - Feasts and Mysteries || August 8th ||

Currently, we do not have any sources that describe the third day in detail. Some sources believe communal feasts were held, while others believe the lack of description is due to Mystery Cults and related activities taking place.

The Temple will be celebrating this day with a secret ceremony that will not be shared online in honor of the Mystery Cults of old. We will also be posting several recipes and crafts to incorporate the communal feast.

[Mustērion Post Here]

If you would like to make a special request for any of the three days, please message us directly and we will do what we can to incorporate your ideas into our festival.

Keep an eye out for our ritual post tomorrow morning (eastern standard time). This will allow for time to prepare before the official ritual goes live at 7pm EST.

Eirene, peace and farewell

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[hyakinthou-naos]

The Temple of Hyacinthus’

Hyakíntha Service

Hyakínthia honors the myth of Hyacinthus, the lover of Lord Apollo who was admired for his beauty and athleticism. This joyous event pays homage to romantic love, growth through change, and the wonder of nature.

This year, the Temple of Hyacinthus will be hosting religious services through a series of posts that will include prayers, the recitation of myths, and Ritual Speeches.

There will also be posts regarding celebration preparation - such as traditional attire, modern rites, and even some recipes!

Join us on August 6th, 7th, and 8th for our inaugural Hyakíntha Service.

More info to come!

Eirene, peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hyakíntha Day 2 Ritual Guide: Celebration and Competition

1. Ceremonial Garments

The following is a recommendation, it is the choice of each worshipper what they wear throughout their day and during ritual.

Today is a day of joy! For today we celebrate that Prince Hyacinthus has been raised from the dead and brought into the heavens!

"They are carrying to heaven Hyacinthus and Polyboea, the sister, they say, of Hyacinthus, who died a maid." - Description of Greece: Altar of the Amyclaean by Pausanias

Wear bright and joyous colors, and adorn yourself in any manner that you choose. Wear clothing of yellows, oranges, and whites to honor Lord Apollo. Wear clothing of purples and greens to honor Lord Hyacinthus. Jewelry of any metal is acceptable, as Lord Apollo is associated with both silver and gold - and Lord Hyacinthus is associated with bronze.

2. Khernips & Purification

In the morning you should cleanse your physical body in whatever way is possible for you. Whether this is a shower - washing your face - or even just using a wipe to clean your hands. You should also cleanse yourself spiritually, as the funeral rites and processions of Day 1 have brought upon Miasma.

To rid oneself of Miasma, it is traditional to wash ones hands with khernips (a bowl of sea water into which a flaming herb is extinguished). If sea water isn't something you have access to - mix table salt into a bowl of warm water and stir to combine.

Please note that it is perfectly acceptable to not use khernips, or to wash you hands with soap after using - or in place of - khernips.

You should also wash your hands with khernips (or some alternative) before the evening ritual.

3. Gathering at the Altar

Arrange the altar space. This should be a flat surface where you can comfortably sit or stand for the duration of the ritual.

There is no shame in sitting at a table or using a chair at your altar. Hephaestus Kyllopodiôn reminds us all that there is no shame in the need for accommodations or alterations to suit our bodies needs.

To follow along with our ritual practice, you will need:

Three candles of any kind

A cup for pouring your libation

A bowl to pour your libation into

A device through which you can play music (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.,)

Incense of any kind + an incense burner

If you do not have access to candles/incense - or cannot burn these items openly - an alternative that I have used in the past is drawing the items I do not have on a piece of paper and placing the drawing/s on my altar.

4. Opening Prayer & Deity Invocation

The ritual will start with an opening prayer to Hestia, Goddess of Hearth and Home - followed by an invocation to Lord Apollo and Prince Hyacinthus.

5. Hymns & Music

The ritual will proceed with a reading of several original Hymns from The Temple.

We also encourage the reading of The Homeric Hymn and The Orphic Hymn to Apollo [these can be read for free here]

Following this reading, a rendition of the First Delphic Hymn to Apollo by Ancient World Music will be played in it's entirety (free to listen on YouTube here). During this time, we invite all attendees to listen and dance to the music. Allow your body to flow freely as an act of worship and meditation.

6. Libations

Traditionally, the youth of the community (specifically young boys) were honored during the second day of Hyakíntha. Keeping with the theme of youth, libations of milk and water will be used in ceremony.

During this time, individualized prayers to Lord Apollo and Prince Hyacinthus are appropriate - and should be spoken before or during the pouring of the libation into the ceremonial bowl.

7. Divination

Ritual attendees/participants are encouraged to engage in their own personal divination with Prince Hyacinthus at this time.

8. Closing Prayers

The ritual will conclude with a closing prayer to Lord Apollo, Prince Hyacinthus, and final offerings given to Lady Hestia.

At 7:00 pm EST we will be posting a detailed script of the ritual, and at 9:00 pm EST Temple Steward Aön will be performing the ritual in his home. The Temple invites all participants who are able to hold their own rituals at this same time.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus.

[hyakinthou-naos]

Thank you for hosting the ritual. (I participated as an outsider, but was very moved by the script and felt compelled to do something.)

Khaire Ghost,

Thank you sharing! I keep looking at the pictures and finding new hidden gems on your altar - it’s so intricate and beautiful. I’m glad the ritual was of use to you, even if just as inspiration.

May I ask where you got your Greek column from? I’d love to get a few myself.

Eriene - peace and farewell,

- Aön

[hyakinthou-naos]

This was my ritual from last night!!! It isn't as decked out as what was posted to the temple, but I made the little picture (aka glued a painting to an orange paper and drew on it) and I'm super happy about it :D

Hi Quinnie,

Thank you so much for sending this to us! This is such a beautiful altar and even through the photos we can tell the genuine care and love you put into it.

Out of curiosity, what herbs did you anoint the candles with? They look lovely ❤️

Eriene - peace and farewell,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[hyakinthou-naos]

For today's ritual, I painted some candles using acrylic paint! The one on the far right has some hyacinths, the middle has hearts, and the left has Apollon and Hyakinthos written on it. Thank you for leading/doing these rituals!!!!

Khaire Quinnie,

Thank you for sending this our way! Your setup is so lovely and beautiful - I love what you did with the paint. We are so happy that you (and others) enjoyed our rituals this week - I feel truly blessed to have such wonderful people in our community 🧡

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Aön

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hi, i saw your post about Hyakintha and saw it was scheduled for July. Did you mean August??? Or is it for next year?

Dear Anon,

Thank you for catching that! We did mean August but put July on accident. We have since corrected our posts.

Hyakintha is traditionally celebrated in July - but due to scheduling conflicts we were unable to host this service in July of this year. In the future we hope to celebrate this holiday in July to keep with ancient tradition.

Thank you again!

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hi! There is an Spartan Calendar in Hellenic Polytheism? I know it used the Athenian one, but me, who want to worship Apollon and Hyakinthos togheter like in Amyklae, would like to know when Hyakinthia comes... I thought is in this month, but i'm not sure... Do you know in which month the festival was celebrated?

I am using this answering post to announce our upcoming Hyakinthia Ceremony. More info after the answer.

Khaire Anon,

I will readily admit I did not know this information off the top of my head, so I wanted to check my sources before answering.

In general, the reason you will see the Athenian Calendar most often used by Hellenics, is because it is the calendar we know the most about. While we do know some things about the calendars of other Ancient Greek regions - it is usually more fragmented or incomplete when compared to the Athenian Calendar.

In the same vein, we don’t know *everything* about the Athenian Calendar or even Athenian Religious Practices - but it is the region we know the most about at this time.

If you are doing research on the Spartan Calendar you should also try searching for and reading about the Laconian Calendar. Based on current research, the Laconian Calendar is believed to be very similar (if not the same as) the Spartan Calendar. And from my sources, it would appear we know slightly more about the Laconians as opposed to the Spartans.

Regarding Hyakintha, according to Harper’s Dictionary of Classical Antiques by Harry Peck (2002), Hyakintha was celebrated for three days during the month of July. The exact three days are presumably unknown based on my sources.

I’d recommend giving them a look to learn more.

[Source 1] [Source 2]

I hope this helped!

- Aön

—————————————

Announcing The Temple of Hyacinthus’

Hyakintha Service

August 6th, 7th, and 8th

More info here

Hyakínthia honors the myth of Hyacinthus, the lover of Lord Apollo who was admired for his beauty and athleticism. This joyous event pays homage to romantic love, growth through change, and the wonder of nature.

This year, the Temple of Hyacinthus will be hosting religious services through a series of posts that will include prayers, the retelling of myths, and Ritual Speeches.

There will also be posts regarding celebration preparation - such as traditional attire, modern rites, and even some recipes!

Join us on August 6th, 7th, and 8th for our inaugural Hyakintha Service.

Eirene, peace and farewell,