CHARITES ~ THE GREEK GODDESSES OF GRACE

In Greek Religion, the Charites ( Χάριτες) or Graces, are three sister Goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity, and fertility. They are Aglaea ('She who glows with splendour), Euphrosyne ('She who brings joy to the soul'), and Thalia ( 'She who blooms and thrives'). Apart from 'grace', the primary meaning of the word 'Charis' meant the joy that one radiates when characterized by noble emotions, but also the joy and exhilaration that is brought to others around him. 

According to Hesiod, their parents were Zeus and Eurynome. Based on references by other Greek writers, there are more than three Graces; yet, the aforementioned ones are the most well-known.The Charites are some of the most idealized and appealing Goddesses of the Hellenic Pantheon.

 They embody grace and joy in nature and in human life. All the beautiful and good things that happen to humans come from the Charites - the source of every joy and every delight not only for man, but also for the Gods. Also, Charites express another concept of "grace"-  the favorable disposition expressed by offerings and exchanges between people and Gods (sacrifices and celebrations), between people and nature and of course, among people themselves.
 Charites also enhance inspiration in music, poetry, and dance, therefore they are closely associated with the Muses.Together, all these Goddesses take part in every important event on Olympus.When Apollo played his lyre for the first time, the Charites danced around with the other Gods, and when Artemis entered the temple of Apollo at Delphi, they began to sing with Her, accompanied by the Muses.

The Charites are constant companions of Aphrodite and She is the Goddess they are closest to. Part of their relationship with the Goddess of Love, is the fact that the Charites know the art of making aromatic oils, which make the skin fragrant and enhance sexual desire. Also, They assisted in Aphrodite's birth from the sea.Moreover, They are often in the company of other fertility Gods, such as Demeter, Hera and Dionysos.

They are always depicted young and beautiful. They are held by their shoulders and usually the two of them are looking in one direction ,while the one in the middle is looking in the opposite direction. Charites appear in Archaic and Classical Greek art on pottery, relief sculpture, coins, and, according to Pausanias, even on the throne of Zeus at Olympia.Their main symbols are spring flowers and fruit. They seem to have a special relationship with roses ,as they help them grow.
Charites were worshiped all over Greece. In Greece, art competitions were held to honour the Three Goddesses.