Dionysus' sacred plant symbolizes fertility and sacrifice. All three (vine/grape/wine) express terrestrial as well as celestial joy, one does not exclude the other but are all inclusive. To eat the grapes or take a glass of wine it is always a pleasurable experience, to add another glass could instill courage and enhance friendliness, but to drink a bottle is a sign of foolishness. Wine like fire can induce merryment or sorrow. On the one hand, the red wine, in its association with blood, has propitiatory implications. On the other hand, it signifies youth and eternal life. The Bacchanals claimed a devine intoxications of the soul which allowed the participants to partake of the gratifying life of the gods.

Bacchus is the Roman name for Dionysus, the god of wine, the son of Zeus and the Theban princess Semele.