In classical Russian literature you can hear borrowings from foreign languages. One example of such a migration of terms is Bacchante. This capacious concept came from Ancient Greece, and the last peak of popularity was at the beginning of the XXI century, when several series devoted to myths and legends of the Mediterranean appeared on the screens at once. But what does it mean?
Wine cult
It is not philologists who help, but historians. The root cause was the god of winemaking Dionysus, who also controlled the life-giving force of nature and religious ecstasy. In ancient Rome, he was given the name Bacchus, or Βάκχος. The verb bacchari had two meanings:
- celebration of bacchanalia;
- "madness, rage."
They meant traditional events with a lot of wine and often with orgies. Bacchante is an obligatory participant in the celebration. She was distinguished by very free views and specific behavior unusual for noble and restrained citizens.
Encyclopedic interpretation
These days, little has changed. The historical meaning of the word “Bacchante” has remained unchanged, used by scientists as an ordinary term:
- Priestess Bacchus;
- participant in the feast in his honor.
However, in figurative meaning on the territory of Russia has acquired an ambiguous interpretation. This concept is often referred to women:
At the same time, they described a full-blown life, a cheerful and indomitable disposition, an open love for all sorts of pleasures. Delicious food, sweet wine, beautiful music and love joys - this is what the colorful epithet is associated with. Moreover, the bacchanal is not an insult as such, but only an assumption that a person has no complexes.
Mythological background
The nature of the term is best disclosed by its synonym - "maenads", or Μαινάδες:
Under the influence of intoxication, representatives of the cult committed unimaginable acts. One of the classic images is a half-naked woman in the skin of a sika deer, a belt for which are strangled snakes. Unusual fashion.
Euripides indicated the difference in origin. The Maenads, he said, came from Asia after Bacchus' campaign in India, becoming constant companions of the deity. Real foreign priestesses! While Bacchante is a Greek woman who has retreated from the hustle and bustle of Mount Kiferon in order to devote herself completely to Dionysus.
Modern communication
The word is bright and sonorous, but it is not worth using it outside of historical research or scientific work according to Greek legends. Too pretentious and inappropriate in our century. By definition, there is a place in poetry, fiction for immersion in the atmosphere of the past, but no more.