[Lexicog] Blessing, benediction in English and other languages

[Dr. Hayim Y. Sheynin]

Dear Fritz:
 
There is a lot what is possible to tell about blessing/benediction the meaning and etymology.
I will limit myself to a short etymological note on berakhah (Heb.) / barakah (Arab). Etymologically its coming from Heb. berekh - pl. Birkayim (knees) / Arab. bark - buruuk
The meaning 'blessing' in Semitic people were born in matriarchal society. One woman
had many husbands. In order to be blessed one has to have mother and father. When woman gave birth, the new born was coming from 9 month prison to the knees of his father. In this case
he was barukh / mabruuk or mubarrak (blessed, benedictus), in the opposite case (i.e. if there was no father who would recognize the baby as his offspring) the baby was not blessed [which made him equal to modern society 'bastard' or 'illegitimate child' or 'out of wedlock"] .
 
This custom was preserved for long time in a Bedouin society. 
 
In the Roman society and its modern Western successors 'benedictio' always included an element of extolling, praising, lauding in relation to God; divine symbol, e.g. cross (see benedictio crucis), or blessing given by an authoritative person to member(s) of congregation,
community. This also was derived from the Jewish Biblical society (you remember "Blessed be you, our Lord" or "Laudetur Jesus Christus), where existed custom of
'birkat ha-kohanim' [The priests in the temple raised both hands and positioned their fingers in particular order what symbolized their blessing to the congregants. It is possible to see the picture of this blessing in many synagogues and in Jewishly oriented art. The book symbol of one of the most famous Hebrew printers from Amsterdam Solomon Proops who acted in 17th century consists of such priestly blessing.] 
 
 
Best wishes,
Hayim Y. Sheynin
Gratz College
 
________________________________

From: lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com [mailto:lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Fritz Goerling
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 7:21 PM
To: lexicographylist at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Lexicog] Blessing, benediction in English and other languages
 
          Romance languages usually have one word for "blessing", viz.
	bénédiction (French), bendición (Spanish), etc.
	English has "blessing" and "benediction", although they are
	not the same, in register and use. How do they differ for
	anglophones? Is the Germanic word "bless(ing)" the heart/soul word,
	while the word of Romance origin is more formal,  to mention
	just one difference (like "love" as the heart word in English
	vs. "affection")?
	It might  also be helpful to think of the Latin origin "bene-
	dicere" (say/talk/speak well; praise) (also in Greek: eu-logeo) 
	when we talk and think about what is involved in "bless(ing)." 
	How do other languages express the idea of "bless(ing)",
	like through the semitic root BRK (Hebrew and Arabic),
	German and Dutch (segnen-zegen). What meanings are 
	attached to these words (like ideas of empowerment
	or enrichment)?
	 
	Fritz Goerling
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