The Moirae

Imagine a birth in Ancient Greece in the 5th century BC. The Parthenon is complete and Athens is the most powerful political and cultural city-state in Europe. Democracy is becoming a solid practice and the power of the people is proving strong and effective. But in the aspect of birth, the people of Athens still leave it to the Gods. Moirae, or The Fate of the Three Sisters determines whether the baby will become a brilliant philosopher or a poor worker. Three days after a child is born, three goddesses enter the room to map out the little one's fate. Clotho spins life's thread; Lachesis measures it out; Atropos cuts the thread at life's end. Until the Moirae have decided a child is considered especially vulnerable. A lock of hair is given to the goddesses to insure a long and pleasant life. After the fate is determined, the baby is finally fully celebrated and a feast is had.