Diwali, India's traditional festival of light, sees the illumination of Diya oil lamps symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
In the darkness of this celebration, the burning candles and oil lamps may contain eugenol and ocimene from spices like basil, infusing the festival with delightful aromas. Eugenol and ocimene are natural compounds, commonly found in essential oils of basil, lavender, and artemisia, renowned for their aromatic qualities. Used in culinary and cultural activities, they add flavor to traditions. Interestingly, ocimene can be reduced to dihydromyrcenol in the presence of sodium and alcohol, while heating can cause isomerization to allo-ocimene.
KingDraw extends its warm wishes for a healthy and joyous year to all celebrating Diwali!
Ancient Roman terracotta oil-lamp depicting the fearsome sea monster Scylla. Artist unknown; 2nd century CE. Now in the Staatliche Antikensammlungen, Munich. Photo credit: Marcus Cyron.
Oil lamp in shape of a greek warship, end of the 5th cent. BC
The oil lamp with the inscription ΙΕΡΟΝ ΤΗΣ ΑΘΗΝΑΣ (Sanctuary of Athena) was discovered inside the Erechtheion, Acropolis. Its form is linked to the celebration of the Panathenaia and the worship of Athena Polias, whose wooden cultic statue (xoanon) was kept in the eastern part of the Erechtheion.
During the last day of the celebration, the Athenians offered to the xoanon a new peplos, which, after the victory at Salamis, was transported hung like a sail on the mast of a warship -most possibly on one of the victorious triremes of the naval battle– which moved on wheels. The lamp possibly reproduces the features of this ship.