"Sprinkle the head with ashes": the meaning of phraseology, the history of its origin, use
As is known, some stable word combinationsThey contain information about various national traditions that they have committed or are still committing to this day. These include the expression "sprinkle the head with ashes." In this article we will consider what it means, how it appeared, where, when and why it is used in speech, and whether it is possible to pick up synonymous phrases.
"Sprinkle with ashes": the meaning of phraseology
Interpretation of expression is very grievous because ofa disaster, a loss of value. That's what it means to "sprinkle ashes with your head." This expression conveys deep sorrow at loss, trouble. For example, if some great grief has occurred, whether it be the death of a loved one or another major loss.
Verbatim stable expressions should not be taken. To understand their meaning, it is necessary to consider the etymology of the phrase. With its help, the expression becomes meaningful and becomes understandable.
The history of the origin of this phraseology
To find out where our speech came fromsteady phrase, you need to open the Bible. In it we learn about the unusual tradition of the Jews, which they committed at the time of death or other great misfortune of their loved ones, as well as their own troubles. At such times, they poured ash on their heads or land. Such a ritual showed their sorrow and despair. It was a landmark and contained a deep meaning.
Now, after getting acquainted with the etymology of the expression "sprinkle the head with ashes", the meaning of phraseology seems to us quite understandable and explainable.
Synonyms of a stable phrase
The phraseology that we are considering can be replaceddifferent verbs and expressions. For example, use the following words and combinations instead: grieve, mourn, miss, despair. Or it can be replaced by another stable expression: "tearing your clothes on yourself." Its meaning is the same as the phrase "sprinkle the head with ashes." The meaning of phraseology also expresses an extreme degree of despair and sorrow. At the same time, its origin is also connected with the folk tradition. Only it belongs no longer to the Jews, but to the ancient Greeks and Slavs. Also it was borrowed and some other people. As a sign of sorrow, they tore their clothes.
Strangely enough, but such an archaic tradition beforestill observed by some peoples. It is also worth noting that they tore not only clothes, but also hair. This expressed complete despair. It is not by chance that there is such an expression as "tearing your hair". It is also a synonymic phraseology for the phrase we are considering.
The use of expression
It is unlikely that in modern conversational speech we canto hear the phrase "sprinkle the head with ashes." The meaning of phraseology, even if known to someone, few will decide to use such a phrase. It can decorate their speech and with the same success can put the interlocutor in an embarrassing situation. Rather, this phraseology should be used in the media and fiction.
Journalists and writers like to insert into their ownworks are various steady turns. Thus, they revitalize their work, make the language brighter, and the descriptions - deeper. As an example, we can cite an excerpt from the story of writer Yuri Nagibin, "Arise and Go." "And the fact that after the arrest of my father they took away the Sunday ruble, it was more a ritual gesture, like the strewing of the ashes of the head, rather than the necessity." As we see, the writer used in his story the expression we are considering. Thus, he managed to show readers that the gesture was a ritual, that is, although it was not justified, it is indispensable, like the tradition of sprinkling ashes on the head of ancient Jews.
Conclusion
Having considered this expression, we learned its meaning, the history of its origin, chose synonyms for it and clarified the scope of its application.
