|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 963
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 963 |
I gather that there's no real consensus whether they're supposed to have any magical power or are just decoration; nor whether the "hex" is in the sense of a charm, or because many of the designs are hexagonal. Language is so much fun!
Peter
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 724
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 724 |
In hindu mythology*, to ask for or to grant a boon is basically to grant you your desire which can be a blessing or a curse. I do not know whether that word fits your requirements. Eta: *in all mythology
Last edited by Avy; 01/25/11 11:14 AM.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,706
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,706 |
I have it in my mind that the Amish have what are called hex signs on their barns and they're there to ward off evil. That would be a kind of blessing. Is it a standard saying? Can you post what it is?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
I have it in my mind that the Amish have what are called hex signs on their barns and they're there to ward off evil. That would be a kind of blessing. Is it a standard saying? Can you post what it is? I'm not sure what part of this you asking if it's a standard saying. And Tromboniator is right, it's from Pennsylvania Dutch. According to the AHD we got the word hex from Pennsylvania Dutch where it referred to sorcery, which could be used for good or evil, I suppose. We, in our callous disregard for meanings of words in languages we steal them from, narrowed it down to a the evil aspect.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 956
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 956 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,295
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,295 |
Omen to me has quite a threatening connotation. Fate or destiny more neutral?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 956
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 956 |
depends on your POV
Omen–noun 1.anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent. 2.a prognostic. 3.prophetic significance; presage: a bird of ill omen.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 3
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 3 |
Red sky at night, sailors delight: Good Omen.
An Omen can be good or bad.
Last edited by LukeJavan8; 01/26/11 12:12 AM.
----please, draw me a sheep----
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542 |
back to the OP; what's wanted is blessing AND curse, not blessing OR curse?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 3
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,931 Likes: 3 |
depends on your POV
Omen–noun 1.anything perceived or happening that is believed to portend a good or evil event or circumstance in the future; portent. 2.a prognostic. 3.prophetic significance; presage: a bird of ill omen. Correct: POV. Red sky in morning, sailors take warning. Thus omen can be good and/or bad.
----please, draw me a sheep----
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,580
Members9,187
|
Most Online3,341 Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
0 members (),
332
guests, and
0
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|