Today's Hekate's Deipnon and I have a lot to do for it so I'm keeping this post brief. Since my progression into Hellenismos, I have started to consider language in Pagan practice. Although I am Dutch, I have nearly always practiced in English. I love this language; it's softer, more poetic, more fluid than Dutch. It has synonyms that make sense. 'Practicing in English' became part of my practice. When I set out onto the Hellenic path, I naturally started practicing in English. I can't read or pronounce Greek yet so it made sense. Since about a week, I am not so sure anymore.
I tried an on-the-spot translation into Dutch of my daily prayers and hymns and felt a deeper connection to Deity than I had felt before within this practice. I started wondering why that was as I stumbled through my translations this week. I think... that especially Hestia appreciates my Dutch prayers and hymns because Dutch is the language that is spoken in this household. It's part of our Oikos. I'm not sure the others care very much.
Of course, I would rather practice in ancient Hellas. I got myself a home study course and will be attempting to learn as much as I can on my own before taking a language course. It's not mandatory in Hellenismos to speak Greek but I would love to be able to read the hymns, myths and plays I base my practice on in their original language and form. Translations are lovely but there is always artistic freedom. Besides, for me, it's the language of the Gods.
I realize that this is mostly a Recon issue; I never worried about this when I was still a practicing Neo-Wiccan or Eclectic Religious Witch. Yet, I do now, and I wonder where you stand on this. Is language an influential factor in religious practice? Should you adapt your language used for the Gods who are worshipped? If you have an opinion on this, I would love to hear it.
Using one specific language such as 'English' if you're Dutch does give it an extra something... Just as ritual-jewelry is for the greater part only worn during ritual so that donning these jewelry subconsciously activates all sorts of feelings. The same it can be when using a specific language when addressing the Gods... And although I indeed believe they have preference for some languages above others, I hold fast to the idea that they can understand me just fine even without language...
ReplyDeleteAs a starting Pagan, I'm still experimenting with what I prefer, Dutch or English.... I don't think that at this moment the Gods I worship have a preference...
Thank you for your comment, Heron!
DeleteI used to do every ritual in English but now that's slowly changing. It's an odd experience and it's good to hear your opinion on it.
It was an extremely big deal when the choice was made in the 1950's(?) to perform Roman Catholic rituals in the language of the people participating, rather than in Latin. Since hearing about that, I've wondered: surely the gods can understand the meaning behind any language?
ReplyDeleteAt the same time, there is the idea of a 'magic language' or Old Speech in various books that contains a power that normal words do not.
It seems to me that if the purpose of Recon (and please please correct me if I'm wrong!) is partly to please the Gods by doing their rituals in the old, correct way, I could easily imagine that They might enjoy the comforting sounds of the first language They were worshipped in. At the same time - what if a language's pronunciation was competely lost, as many have been? I just can't picture a deity who would spurn every future effort to honour Them just for lack of the right vowels.
No, you are very right about the purpose of Recon. That is why I will be learning how to pronounce at least a few hymns in ancient Greek as soon as possible, even if it is just phonetically.
DeleteI think the Gods can understand is no matter what we speak, but as a courtesy to Them--especially in a Recon faith--one should learn the original language they were revered in. Somewhat sadly enough, not everyone agrees with this, at least not in the Hellenic community.