Mar 2, 2021
As the archetype of consummated marriage, the ancient ordinance of the marriage bed, Hera is everywhere the goddess of weddings and marriage - while seduction and carnal pleasure remain the responsibility of Aphrodite. In the wedding month Gamelion, sacrifices are made to her together with her Zeus, Zeus Heraios. She is invoked as the wedding preparing, gamostolos, as the uniter, zygia, and above all as the fulfilled, teleia, since marriage is in a special sense the goal and fulfilment of a human life. In front of her temple in Lesbos beauty contests take place. Sappho prays for Hera to be near her.
- Greek Religion by Walter Burkert, ‘Hera’ pg 132-3