Hestia was a pure and solitary goddess who had no intention of ever marrying, both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry her but she refused them and asked Zeus to protect her, she vowed to remain a virgin forever. Zeus agreed and gave her special blessings, he also ordered that all households were to worship her and she was to be honoured at all feasts.
Hestia watched over all homes and hearth in her time. When a baby was born all of the family would stand around the hearth whilst the baby was being carried around it, this symbolized its acceptance into the family that gathered. All Greek cities would keep a fire burning in important government buildings to honour Hestia. Officials often made sacrifices there on behalf of all citizen of that city and fire from this holy flame would be given to warriors setting out on campaigns.
Hestia watched over all homes and hearth in her time. When a baby was born all of the family would stand around the hearth whilst the baby was being carried around it, this symbolized its acceptance into the family that gathered. All Greek cities would keep a fire burning in important government buildings to honour Hestia. Officials often made sacrifices there on behalf of all citizen of that city and fire from this holy flame would be given to warriors setting out on campaigns.