Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Author Soundtrack: Alex Dally MacFarlane
Alex Dally MacFarlane's soundtrack is now live over at the Writers and Soundtracks blog. Check it out!
Seventh son, daughter
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
seventh son, daughter: From the 16th century onwards, a seventh son (or, more rarely, seventh daughter) was widely thought to have psychic powers, usually as a healer, but sometimes as a dowser or fortune-teller; even more powerful was one whose father (or mother) was also a seventh son (or daughter)...A related idea was that a seventh son was destined to become a doctor, for he would have a natural aptitude for the profession; some said he would have a birthmark like seven stars. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
seventh son, daughter: From the 16th century onwards, a seventh son (or, more rarely, seventh daughter) was widely thought to have psychic powers, usually as a healer, but sometimes as a dowser or fortune-teller; even more powerful was one whose father (or mother) was also a seventh son (or daughter)...A related idea was that a seventh son was destined to become a doctor, for he would have a natural aptitude for the profession; some said he would have a birthmark like seven stars. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Monday, September 29, 2008
The Word Hoard: chirology, bradyathria, baragoin
This week's word-hoard feature: chirology, bradyathria, and baragoin.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Dragon's blood
Myths, folklore, & symbolism
Drgon's blood: A useful and powerful ingredient in love divination and other spells, used in a number of ways but usually involving the fire: "Buy a pennyworth of dragon's blood from a chemist, sprinkle the powder in the fire any night when the clock is striking twelve, and your future husband or wife will appear..." (Billson, 1865: 59-60) It was being used in this way well into the 20th century. Joseph Wright's English Dialect Dictionary glosses Dragon's Blood as the herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum); A.R. Wright (1928: 69) defines it as "the resin from the Calamus draco and certain other trees, used chiefly in varnish-making." (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Drgon's blood: A useful and powerful ingredient in love divination and other spells, used in a number of ways but usually involving the fire: "Buy a pennyworth of dragon's blood from a chemist, sprinkle the powder in the fire any night when the clock is striking twelve, and your future husband or wife will appear..." (Billson, 1865: 59-60) It was being used in this way well into the 20th century. Joseph Wright's English Dialect Dictionary glosses Dragon's Blood as the herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum); A.R. Wright (1928: 69) defines it as "the resin from the Calamus draco and certain other trees, used chiefly in varnish-making." (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Myths, folklore & symbolism
"The rune madr, man or human, from the earliest Nordic rune alphabet."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
"The rune madr, man or human, from the earliest Nordic rune alphabet."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Pine
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Pine: In antiquity, Pinus was the designation for all cone-bearing trees. In a narrower sense the pine is a fertility symbol (probably because of its constant production of new cones). The Scotch pine is a conifer of the northern temperate zone. As an evergreen tree and because of its incorruptible resin, it is a symbol in China and Japan of immortality; in Japan, moreover, as a tree that endures wind and weather, it symbolizes vital energy and the personality the masters the difficulties of life unharmed. The pine cone (and sometimes the cone of the Aleppo pine, the resin of which preserves wine) crowned the thyrsus staff of Dionysus and his retinue. In Christian symbolism it is closely associated with the tree of life, whose crown it forms in many representations. (Herder)
Pine: In antiquity, Pinus was the designation for all cone-bearing trees. In a narrower sense the pine is a fertility symbol (probably because of its constant production of new cones). The Scotch pine is a conifer of the northern temperate zone. As an evergreen tree and because of its incorruptible resin, it is a symbol in China and Japan of immortality; in Japan, moreover, as a tree that endures wind and weather, it symbolizes vital energy and the personality the masters the difficulties of life unharmed. The pine cone (and sometimes the cone of the Aleppo pine, the resin of which preserves wine) crowned the thyrsus staff of Dionysus and his retinue. In Christian symbolism it is closely associated with the tree of life, whose crown it forms in many representations. (Herder)
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Author Interview: Jason Erik Lundberg
My interview with Jason Erik Lundberg is now live over at the Writers and Soundtracks blog. Check it out!
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Word Hoard: spleenful, swivet, whilk
This week's word-hoard feature: spleenful, swivet, and whilk.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Fruit
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Fruit: Fruit, sometimes flowing from a cornucopia, is the attribute of Ceres, goddess of agriculture; of abundance and of Summer, one of the four seasons, both of which Ceres may personify. A basket of fruit is the attribute of the goddess Pomona; of Taste, one of the five senses. A bowl of fruit belongs to Charity; also to the fat figure of Gluttony. Angels bring baskets of fruit to Christ in the wilderness. (Dictionary of Subjects & Symbols in Art)
Fruit: Fruit, sometimes flowing from a cornucopia, is the attribute of Ceres, goddess of agriculture; of abundance and of Summer, one of the four seasons, both of which Ceres may personify. A basket of fruit is the attribute of the goddess Pomona; of Taste, one of the five senses. A bowl of fruit belongs to Charity; also to the fat figure of Gluttony. Angels bring baskets of fruit to Christ in the wilderness. (Dictionary of Subjects & Symbols in Art)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Myths, folklore & symbolism
"This sign belongs to the so called family system and means childbirth, child is born."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
"This sign belongs to the so called family system and means childbirth, child is born."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Donkeys
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Donkeys: Donkeys, proverbially stupid, obstinate, and over-sexed, were despised, yet the cross on their backs was a holy marking, since Jesus rode a donkey. Nineteenth-century sources credit them with healing powers; children suffering from whooping cough, measles, fevers, or rickets were passed three or nine times over and under a donkey, or made to wear or swallow hairs from this mark. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Do you know of donkey folklore from other countries?
Donkeys: Donkeys, proverbially stupid, obstinate, and over-sexed, were despised, yet the cross on their backs was a holy marking, since Jesus rode a donkey. Nineteenth-century sources credit them with healing powers; children suffering from whooping cough, measles, fevers, or rickets were passed three or nine times over and under a donkey, or made to wear or swallow hairs from this mark. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Do you know of donkey folklore from other countries?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Author Soundtrack: Jason Erik Lundberg
Jason Erik Lundberg's soundtrack is now live over at the Writers and Soundtracks blog. Check it out!
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Word Hoard: absterge. pollincter, ossuary
This week's word-hoard feature: absterge. pollincter, and ossuary.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Bell
Myths, folklore & symbolism
Bell: A symbol of the connection between heaven and earth, the bell calls people to prayer and calls to mind obedience to divine laws. The ringing of the bell often symbolizes (e.g., in China) the cosmic harmonies. In Islam as in Christianity, the sound of bells is considered to be an echo of divine omnipotence (the voice of God), the hearing of which carries the soul beyond the limits of the mundane. It is a widespread belief that bells ward off misfortune. (Herder)
Bell: A symbol of the connection between heaven and earth, the bell calls people to prayer and calls to mind obedience to divine laws. The ringing of the bell often symbolizes (e.g., in China) the cosmic harmonies. In Islam as in Christianity, the sound of bells is considered to be an echo of divine omnipotence (the voice of God), the hearing of which carries the soul beyond the limits of the mundane. It is a widespread belief that bells ward off misfortune. (Herder)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Myths, folklore & symbolism
"An adinkira print symbol on clothes from Ghana, Nyame dua, meaning holy place."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
"An adinkira print symbol on clothes from Ghana, Nyame dua, meaning holy place."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Aspis
Myths, folklore & symbolism
Aspis: The aspic viper (Vipera aspis), a serpent or dragon (occasionally also a quadruped), is a symbol of evil and stubbornness. It is often depicted in medieval architectural ornamentation or book illustration with the basilisk, lion, or dragon, sometimes with one ear to the ground, the other stopped with its tail. (Herder)
Aspis: The aspic viper (Vipera aspis), a serpent or dragon (occasionally also a quadruped), is a symbol of evil and stubbornness. It is often depicted in medieval architectural ornamentation or book illustration with the basilisk, lion, or dragon, sometimes with one ear to the ground, the other stopped with its tail. (Herder)
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Author Interview: Susan Higginbotham
My interview with Susan Higginbotham is now live over at the Writers and Soundtracks blog. Check it out!
Monday, September 08, 2008
The Word Hoard: botuliform, fletcherize, esurient
This week's word-hoard feature: botuliform, fletcherize, and esurient.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Storms
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Storms: The notion that great storms accompany the passing of great persons was formerly widespread and generally accepted. The most widely mentioned instance was probably the death of Cromwell in 1658, still remembered by Samuel Pepys in his Diary four years later on 18 February 1662, while the following year he was worried by another storm:
It could apparently be the great evil of the deceased or their great fame which caused the disturbance...On the other side of the coin, several references...indicate that good people's deeds are often accompanied by good weather. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Do you know of storm folklore from other countries?
Storms: The notion that great storms accompany the passing of great persons was formerly widespread and generally accepted. The most widely mentioned instance was probably the death of Cromwell in 1658, still remembered by Samuel Pepys in his Diary four years later on 18 February 1662, while the following year he was worried by another storm:
(19 Oct. 1663): Waked with a very highe winde, and said to my wife, 'I pray God I hear not of the death of any great person, this wind is so high', fearing that the Queene might be dead.
It could apparently be the great evil of the deceased or their great fame which caused the disturbance...On the other side of the coin, several references...indicate that good people's deeds are often accompanied by good weather. (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Do you know of storm folklore from other countries?
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Myths, folklore & symbolism
"This, and the sign 5111 above in this group, have been used in Cabbalistic mysticist contexts for so-called planetary spirits."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
"This, and the sign 5111 above in this group, have been used in Cabbalistic mysticist contexts for so-called planetary spirits."
Get the full story at symbols.com.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Interruption in service?
Well, I'm finally throwing off the shackles of Earthlink, after over 10 years. They claim that canceling my DSL will only affect my email address ... given that they're Earthlink, I'm not convinced. So, in the next few weeks my podcasts and website might "mysteriously" disappear ... I'm backing everything up (of course) but fair warning in case you're trying to access a podcast and it's MIA.
Bullbeggar
Myths, folklore, and symbolism
Bullbeggar: In North Country and West Country dialects, a term for any frightening supernatural figure. In Reginald Scot's The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584), it comes at the head of a mixed list of scary creatures: 'Our mothers' maids have so fraied us with bull beggars, spirits, witches, urchins, elves...and other such bugs that we are afraid of our owne shadowes.' (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Bullbeggar: In North Country and West Country dialects, a term for any frightening supernatural figure. In Reginald Scot's The Discoverie of Witchcraft (1584), it comes at the head of a mixed list of scary creatures: 'Our mothers' maids have so fraied us with bull beggars, spirits, witches, urchins, elves...and other such bugs that we are afraid of our owne shadowes.' (Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore)
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Author Soundtrack: Susan Higginbotham
Susan Higginbothm's soundtrack is now live over at the Writers and Soundtracks blog. Check it out!
Monday, September 01, 2008
The Word Hoard: murfles, hypocorism, sibberidge
This week's word-hoard feature: murfles, hypocorism, and sibberidge.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
I invite you to listen in and leave me a comment with your creative use of each week's word-hoard featured words! You can subscribe to this podcast (and this whole blog for that matter) by clicking on the RSS icon in the right-sidebar. Or, you can add the feed to your LiveJournal Friends page.
1. Search for "Julie K. Rose" or "Word-Hoard" in the iTunes store; the podcast will show up in the search results, and you can simply click the "subscribe button"; or
2. Choose the Advanced menu, and then Subscribe to Podcast. This will bring up a dialog box, where you can paste this URL: http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/YULh.
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