This imaginative 22” Embossed Brass piece of wall décor was purchased years ago on a trip to New Orleans. I love it but now it's time to say goodbye to this fun souvenir of a very fun visit to a Mardi Gras Celebration. This remains in good condition pretty much as when it was purchased as shown in the photographs provided with blemishes from having been packed and moved a few times. The hook on the back did break but was repaired and a piece of twine now holds it to the wall. Please look at the photos as these are part of the description.

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 Bacchus was adapted from the Greek, Dionysus, and shared mythology with the Roman god, Liber.

He was the god of more than just wine.

Bacchus was primarily known as the god of agriculture and wine, but was associated with fertility, drama, and revelry. In regards to agriculture, he was depicted as a god of trees and forest, and was often sought out to help the orchards grow. His association with grape growing was not limited to spring alone, but he was also important during the fall grape harvest. Bacchus remains best known today for his association with wine.’

He is alternately depicted as a young, fit, long-haired lad or an older, bearded man. At times he was depicted as effeminate and other times manly in form. He dressed ever party-ready with accompanying grape bunch(es), a wine cup, and a stylish crown of ivy atop his head. He and his followers usually carried a thyrsus (thyrsos). It was a symbol of pleasure and fertility made from a staff of giant fennel covered in leaves and vines, topped with a pinecone.

He had famous parents. Bacchus was the son of the god Jupiter (Zeus) and the Theben princess, Semele, making him the only god born to a mortal mother. With Bacchus in her womb, Semele was killed by flames after seeing Jupiter in his divine form. This was forbidden for mortals. Jupiter quickly sewed Bacchus to his thigh and carried him to term. Thus, Bacchus is said to be born twice and gained immortal status as being both the spawn of, and birthed by Jupiter.

He had a drunken mentor. Bacchus had an older companion, Silenus, who became his tutor, mentor, and even foster-father. Silenus was extremely fond of wine and was often found drunk. He was sensible though, practicing safe transportation by relying on the services of the ancient-day, a donkey, with which he is symbolically associated. The young Bacchus learned much from Silenus, and traveled for many years as far as to what is now Asia, to teach people how to cultivate vines.

He had a hard-core entourage. Bacchus was often accompanied by satyrs, men with goat-like features, and female maenads, also called Bacchae.

People sacrificed things in his honor. Goats and swine were most often sacrificed to Bacchus, as they were considered hazards to the vineyards and often destructive to the grape harvest.

He was the youngest member of the 12 Olympians. Also referred to as the pantheon of 12 major gods, Bacchus held the last seat at this prestigious table. Although he wasn’t the most powerful, being the god of celebrations, wine, and ecstasy, he was arguably the most popular.

He threw wicked parties. Secret ritualistic parties called Bacchanalia were held mid-March, attended only by women at first. The festivals soon were opened to men and took place five times a month. They became the ancient day frat party or Mardi Gras, filled with drunken revelry, sexual liberty, and general debauchery. They were so infamous that they were banned for a time by the Roman Senate. Along with fun shenanigans, the parties were often a place for conspirators, where people felt free to speak their minds and this lead Bacchus to earn the party nickname of The Liberator, loosening tongues with freely flowing wine.