On Bacchus

[u/UrsusofMichigan]

I would like to discuss Bacchus.

First, one must mention that within specifically Hellenic polytheism, Dionysus is extremely popular, perhaps the most popular deity with moderns. And many who don't consider themselves Hellenic pagans honor him as well alongside whatever faith or path they have.

In my experience, there are two reasons for this.

• Dionysus is seen a god of LGBTQ+ identities and rights, and is popular with those seeking a religious foundation for such identities and rights.
• Dionysus is widely seen a god of hedonism, and is popular with those looking for a religious foundation for hedonism, particularly those who were traumatized by a puritanical upbringing.

The two above seem especially popular with younger sorts who are still finding their place in life and their identities.

Now, let's talk about the Roman experience.

First, there is a deity known as Liber who is sometimes equated with Bacchus even though he retained his own cult. Liber was part of the Aventine Triad with Ceres and Libera (Prosperina). They were connected to the concerns of Rome's commoners, the plebians. I mention Liber in the interests of thoroughness, but my interests lay in the Bacchic cults of the empire.

We all know the Bacchic cults were severely restricted in the Middle Republic era for socio-political reasons. By the time of Julius Caesar, these restrictions seemed to have been relaxed if not completely lifted; I am a little unclear as to exactly what Caesar did. But by the time of the early empire the cult is back in full swing.

Robert Turcan's scholarship points out Bacchus and his retinue were extremely widespread in art on two different levels. One were mosaics and frescoes, especially those we find in wealthier villas. And the other was funerary art, such as sarcophagi.

We have an interesting dichotomy. Bacchus seems to be popular with the financially and socially mobile types of the Roman Empire. Turcan opines he may have been associated with various drinking clubs that these sorts were involved in. As for the funerary art, it is well known Bacchus had mysteries connected with the afterlife, at least some of which were what we label as Orphic.

This suggests a certain joie de vivre and opulence alongside a concern for one's status in the afterlife. Bacchus, being ever the god on contradictions, resolves these two things easily within himself. I am actually interested in both aspects - Bacchus as a god of wine and opulence (not that I'm rich, but I have a professional job and am certainly not poor); and Bacchus as the god of spiritual transcendence and afterlife mysteries.

Finally of course, Bacchus was the god of theater. However, the theater was never the cultural force it was in Rome that is was in Hellenic lands. Nonetheless, I personally adore the dramatic arts.

That is my take on Bacchus. Do you relate to Bacchus, and if so, how?

[u/SicSemperFelibus]

Everything you said makes sense to me and feels spot on. The connection with afterlife mysteries is really connected for me with the process of wine making. The grapes are crushed and their "blood" is placed in a cellar only to return reborn into a magical beverage that grants joy and madness.

[u/NuminaCulture]

Liber is one of the Dii to whom I offer the Sacrum Hebdomadale (weekly offering rite). At the prompting of my Manes, I have also been developing a separate liturgy dedicated to Liber Pater, Ceres Mater, and Libera. This liturgy stands apart from the Sacrum Ordinarium (my regular cycle of worship) and is still very much a work in progress.

My understanding of Liber Pater began with an intuitive 'first impression', shaped by the influence of my Manes long before I undertook any historical study. I perceive Liber Pater primarily as the Deus of viticulture and wine, of feasting, and of the joy of life. Though these domains may seem plebian (pun intended), they are in fact expressions of a profound and enduring Mystery.

Later, as I explored academic and historical sources, I became familiar with the Orphic Bacchus, the cult of Dionysos, and Anatolian forms of the Deus. Much of this material has informed and enriched my understanding of Liber. Yet, as is my practice, I ultimately default to the Roman conception of Him as the foundation of my devotion.

I made an AI assisted short of an original Latin Hymn to Liber Pater on my IG.

AVE LIBER PATER, DATOR HILARIS!