https://www.facebook.com/ApolloHerbs/posts/794298203964212
'DAPHNE' is the Ancient Greek word for 'LAUREL' though Daphne is botanically a different unrelated evergreen shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family; Laurus being the Latin translation.
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae), on the other hand, was used for the adorning of the famous 'laurel wreaths' of Ancient Greece, from which we get the modern terms "baccalaureate, poet laureate, resting on one's laurels," etc.
A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an aromatic broadleaf evergreen of the Mediterranean region. Later in history spineless butcher's broom (Ruscus hypoglossum) or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) were sometimes used as substitutes for true Bay branches.
In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head. In ancient Greece, wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics, where they made wreaths of wild olive-trees at Olympia, known as "kotinos" (κότινος), and also in poetic meets.
Why are bay laurels sacred to Apollo? The reason for this is because the prevailing tradition has it that Apollo fell in love with the daughter of the river god, Ladon, whose name was Daphne, a female nymph associated with fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of freshwater. Because of her beauty, Daphne attracted the god Apollo, who pursued her and just before being overtaken, Daphne called out to her father for help... So he then transformed Daphne into a laurel tree. This is the origin of the myth and tradition.
In Rome, laurel wreaths were symbols of victory in battle, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. Most ancient laurel wreaths are depicted as a horseshoe shape, whereas modern versions are usually complete rings. Laurel wreaths symbolically indicate a victory or triumph or acclaim.
In some countries the laurel wreath is used as a symbol of the master's degree. The wreath is given to young masters in the graduation ceremony of the university. The word "Laureate" refers to being signified by the laurel wreath. 'Laureato' is the term used in Italy to refer to any graduated student. In Italy, right after the graduation ceremony (in Italian: laurea), the student receives a laurel wreath and is allowed to wear it for the rest of the day.
The images are: 'Victory, A Knight Being Crowned With A Laurel Wreath' by Frank Dicksee (1853-1928), photo: 'Boy With Laurel Wreath' by Wilhem von Gloeden (1856-1931), and 'Apollo and Daphne', by Pollaiolo, c. 1470–80.
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloHerbs/posts/794298203964212
'DAPHNE' is the Ancient Greek word for 'LAUREL' though Daphne is botanically a different unrelated evergreen shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family; Laurus being the Latin translation.
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae), on the other hand, was used for the adorning of the famous 'laurel wreaths' of Ancient Greece, from which we get the modern terms "baccalaureate, poet laureate, resting on one's laurels," etc.
A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an aromatic broadleaf evergreen of the Mediterranean region. Later in history spineless butcher's broom (Ruscus hypoglossum) or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) were sometimes used as substitutes for true Bay branches.
In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head. In ancient Greece, wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics, where they made wreaths of wild olive-trees at Olympia, known as "kotinos" (κότινος), and also in poetic meets.
Why are bay laurels sacred to Apollo? The reason for this is because the prevailing tradition has it that Apollo fell in love with the daughter of the river god, Ladon, whose name was Daphne, a female nymph associated with fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of freshwater. Because of her beauty, Daphne attracted the god Apollo, who pursued her and just before being overtaken, Daphne called out to her father for help... So he then transformed Daphne into a laurel tree. This is the origin of the myth and tradition.
In Rome, laurel wreaths were symbols of victory in battle, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. Most ancient laurel wreaths are depicted as a horseshoe shape, whereas modern versions are usually complete rings. Laurel wreaths symbolically indicate a victory or triumph or acclaim.
In some countries the laurel wreath is used as a symbol of the master's degree. The wreath is given to young masters in the graduation ceremony of the university. The word "Laureate" refers to being signified by the laurel wreath. 'Laureato' is the term used in Italy to refer to any graduated student. In Italy, right after the graduation ceremony (in Italian: laurea), the student receives a laurel wreath and is allowed to wear it for the rest of the day.
The images are: 'Victory, A Knight Being Crowned With A Laurel Wreath' by Frank Dicksee (1853-1928), photo: 'Boy With Laurel Wreath' by Wilhem von Gloeden (1856-1931), and 'Apollo and Daphne', by Pollaiolo, c. 1470–80.
No comments:
Post a Comment