The manifold beauty which the works of nature, especially in spring
time, display would seem to have given rise in early times to a belief
in the existence of certain goddesses at first simply as guardians
of the vernal sweetness and beauty of nature, and afterward as the
friends and protectors of everything graceful and beautiful. Purity
and happiness in life and gratitude among men were associated with
them. The name “Gratiæ,” or “Charites,” signifies the exercise of kind
affection, or the charities of life.