Elissos Etymology

The world Elissos derives from the Greek verb ‘ελίσσω’ (elisso) that is to twist, wind, curve and the noun ‘έλιξ΄ ( helix) that is twisted, winding or spiral, such as the tendril of a vine, the outer ear, or in mathematics a spiral line. A helix (pl helixes or helices) is a type of smooth space curve i.e. a curve in three-dimensional space. The helix is in other words a three-dimensional spiral.The word Elissos combines as well the ending – os which is a Doric Greek ending added in many prehistoric place names on Crete, to describe important cities such as Knoss-os, Fest-os, Lat-os etc.

Elissos Symbolism

The helix and the spiral are two of the most ancient symbols that appear ever since the Paleolithic era in Greece (Crete, Thira, Mycenae etc). This complicated but so powerful symbol is to be found everywhere in many ancient civilizations all around the world as well, as a symbol of the living force.

Above all and especially in Greece it has always been a sign and a symbol of the Ancient Greek spirit and the Ancient Greek living force. It declares as a historic symbol the Greek origin of all things that carry it on them.

The Spiral on Buildings

We find it on almost every Greek building, public or private, and it decorates all-important architectural monuments of Greece. It appears on prehistoric rocks and secret stones, on prehistoric monolithic monumental walls and shrines, on sanctuaries and areas of worshiping. It is to be found on the Minoan frescos and on almost every ceramic vessel of Minoan Crete. It dominates on the ancient golden vases of Mycenae, forms the capitals on the ancient Greek columns and decorates the hair of the ancient Greek statues of virgins/maidens ‘Kores’ and young boys ‘Kouroi’ as a sacred knot.

The spiral movement, the ‘swirl’, “η δίνη” (dini), as the Greeks used to call it, is nothing else than the way that life is being created. The spiral appears everywhere in nature. From the ancient shells down to the formation of Galaxies. We live in a three dimensional spiral Galaxy, in a helix. The tornados, the shells of the mollusks, our fingerprints, even our DNA molecules have a spiral form.

The spiral shape represents in many ways the solar and lunar powers, while the wind, the water, the thunder, the lighting are also forms of the big creative swirl.

The Spiral as the Symbol of Rebirth

The helix, the three-dimensional spiral, expands and contracts to symbolize thus the increase and decrease of the sun or moon, the birth, and rebirth. It also symbolizes the constantly rotating sky, the journey of the sun, the circular movement of the four seasons, the rotating of the earth.

The spirals or helices are also associated with the spinning and weaving of the web of life and the veil of the prehistoric Great Mother, who is controlling the human destiny.

The Spiral as the Labyrinth

The spiral symbolizes the Labyrinth itself and its unique Labyrinthical Dance or Walk. It is pointing out the several areas of being and the several ways of being, the wondering of a soul and its final returning back to the center.

The spiral is also combined with the center of the world, the ‘omphalos’, as the main source of giving power and life.

The helix, the three-dimensional spiral, combining the shape of a curve and its dynamic moving force, symbolizes time. It thus indicates Growth, Continuity, the Rhythm of breath, the Rhythm of life itself.

The Divine has the Spiral as its main tool for the formation of the universe and the spiral as a tool reflects the Divine.

The spiral, the helix is the ultimate Pattern.