Hestia

Hestia was worshipped as a virgin goddess

In the ancient Greek mythology Hestia is the daughter and first-born child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. As she has to stay at home tending the fireplace, she became later the virgin goddess of the hearth.  Indee, the name Hestia means 'hearth' or 'fireplace' Her status shows how important the hearth was in the social and religious life of Ancient Greeks. Since fire is a pure and a purifying element, Hestia was worshipped as a virgin goddess, as she was to keep the peace at Olympus.

Golden halo

In this painting Hestia is depicted with a golden halo, as was common in Byzantine depictions of Christian Saints. Interesting to know that the pagan traditions found their way into Christianity, as Hestia Polyolbos (rich in blessings) does in a 6th Century AD tapestry.

The ancient Gods are still around us!