poppy view: Demeter

Sunday, August 18, 2013

DemetER and DemetRA: The Goddess and the Girlfriend

Demeter: Greek goddess of agriculture, the harvest and fertility of the earth.

While taking a few courses on Greek mythology at the University of Toronto, I was introduced to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, the harvest and fertility on the earth. Already acquainted with Aphrodite's beauty tips and advice on love, (subjects of deep interest to young, starry-eyed girls), it was Demeter who captured my attention.

Her intrinsic, 'global' goodness combined with courage and intelligence (especially regarding her strategy in the brave rescue of her daughter, Persephone, in Hades), symbolized a strong maternal force and independence. Demeter, who is also affiliated with law and order, marriage, and the cycle of life and death, quickly became my favourite among the divine divas.

Goddess of the grain, Demeter's emblem is the poppy, which grows abundantly among fields of barley. Surely, this was a further 'sign' from the gods that my connection with Demeter was destined to be one lasting a lifetime!

Demetra: teacher, mother, daughter, forever friend. (poppyview.blogspotcom)

Fast forward twenty years, when, another 'Demeter' appears before me, equally strong and independent, a great mother to two young men, a teacher and philosopher, who is forever discussing the law and order of her own society, on a never ending quest for national pride and defense of her fellow man.

This is my friend, Demetra, named after Saint Demetrios, the Greek Orthodox, Great Martyr, military and spiritual protector of Thessaloniki. Having the pleasure of knowing Demetra well, I can attest to the fact that she possesses and exhibits the personality traits of both her religious Orthodox and Olympian namesakes!

Demetra's many hobbies and interests, which range from singing, traditional dancing, hiking and travelling, have allowed this active and multi-talented lady to meet and make friends with like-minded people who share her passions, one of those folks, being me!

Demetra in action! (click to enlarge)

It was through our love of singing and the Intercanto International Choir, that Demetra and I met. We also worked together as members on the board of directors, promoting the choir and taking care of business, in general, with Demetra serving as president. Those were happy, creative and fun-filled times and we became fast friends and confidantes! Board room bantering soon led to late night, coffee house conversations, punctuated by loads of laughter and confessions over cocktails!

Birthday bash! (poppyview.blogspot.com)

But, sadly, this week, after thirty years on the island, my sweet and caring friend made one of the most heart wrenching moves of her life, and departed for her native Cyprus; a difficult decision, especially since she has so many friends here, who will miss her tremendously.

Beautiful Cyprus (click to enlarge)

She is one of thousands who are leaving or have already done so, due to severe, austerity measures, inflicting insecurity and desperate, day to day struggles on the citizens of this once flourishing country, that are too painful to endure.