365
Days in Horse Country – Epona
Epona was the
Celtic goddess of horses, and she was responsible for caring for them, along
with donkeys and mules. She has become a
popular icon for the horse in modern times.
Although Epona is believed to have been born in Celtic mythology, she was integrated into Roman religion. She was worshiped throughout the Roman Empire, mostly by people who depended heavily on the horse for their survival, such as farmers and cavalrymen.
Epona was depicted is several ways on various works of art: as a horse herself; mounted on a horse, sidesaddle; or riding in a cart pulled by horses. She was also shown as a woman standing or sitting, flanked by horses.
Symbols representing fertility, such as cornucopias, were sometimes depicted with her. She was probably a goddess of fertility as well.
Small shines to Epona were common in the house, as well as in the stables, where she was asked to keep watch over the equines. Temples were erected in her honour, and sacrifices in the form of animals, incense, and wine were offered.
Epona hasn’t lost her identity all these centuries later. Today, she represents the grace, beauty, and mysteriousness of the horse, and she can be seen in the names of horses, on jewelry, and on labels for products designed for horses.
Michael