IT STARTS WITH OUR NAME

The word "Cantara" comes from the Latin word "canto" which means to sing, chant, charm and in some research also doubled as something like "say the magic word." These layered meanings are near and dear to our heart. Latin and Greek uses of the word trace back to the earliest gods and myths, and is very much at the heart of ancient celebration and passion. When storytelling turned to music, when music inspired dance, when wine led to revelry, when religion morphed into ecstasy... there was song. Deep, passionate, soul-filling song. CANTO. CANTARE.

CANTARA. WE SING.

LOVE FOR THE LYRA

Around those early fires and gatherings, accompanying the earliest songs, was the Greek lyre, or in some spellings "lyra." Considered the world's oldest stringed instrument, the earliest known examples of the lyre have been recovered at archeological sites that date to circa 2700 BC in Mesopotamia. This is the inspiration for the Cantara logo. So now let's bring it all together! 

If you think about the word Cantara and the unbelievably important invention of a lyra (imagine holding a stringed instrument in your hands for the very first time, never having heard anything like it before!) Then imagine the earliest humans connecting with these gifts. Inspiring each other, building homes, sharing meals, gathering around the fire for warmth and entertainment, storytelling, and music. Imagine the wine flowing! The love-making! The excitement and sheer drunkenness of spirit they felt! The relief and relaxation and connection and joy. When you can imagine these things, you realize this thread still connects us all. The lyra was there. TECHNOLOGY WAS THERE. The first invention to ever help create that perfect evening.

This is what Cantara represents, stands for, burns for. We pay homage to these ancient times, to those early humans who first lit the spark of excitement, possibility, pleasure, celebration, entertainment and peace. We are connected to these original makers of beauty, passion, connection and song. 

We are humbled to continue their traditions and their craft.