Greek goddess of spring and budding
Thallo
Thallo is one of the Horae, the Greek goddesses of the seasons, daughter of Zeus and Themis, associated with the time when plants come into bud. Her name, related to the verb meaning to bloom, makes her a figure of renewal and vigour.
The myth
According to Greek tradition, Thallo was one of the Horae, daughters of Zeus and Themis, who governed the order of the seasons and the harvests. She presided over the season of budding, while her sister Carpo oversaw the season of fruit.
Mythology first recognised only three Horae, linked to spring, summer and winter. Later autumn and the winter solstice emerged, and two new Horae were created: Carpo for autumn and Thallo for the winter solstice.
Worship and religion
In Athens, Thallo received honours alongside Pandrosos, as Pausanias reports. Young Athenians admitted as ephebes named Thallo among the gods in an oath sworn in the temple of Agraulos.
Legacy
Her name comes from the Greek verb meaning to bloom, which explains her association with youthfulness and vigour.
Ancient sources: Pausanias and Hyginus mention her; Pausanias describes the Athenian honours and Hyginus lists her among the names of the Horae.