Happiness…What does this word mean? After all, how often they say: "I am happy!", "This is a great happiness!", "You got a lucky chance!" But what does happiness really mean? What is the origin of the word "happiness"? The answers to these questions are given in this article.
The origin of the word "happiness": ancient Russian sources
Plunging into ancient Russian history, one can find one very interesting legend. Since ancient times, bread has been an integral part of the Russian table. It contained life itself, strength, wisdom; therefore, when a child was born in the house, the best bread was baked. Then the product was divided into equal parts and one was given to the newborn. So the people got the expression that everyone begins life "with a part" of well-being. It is believed that later the word "happiness" appeared.
Official sources
Based on Old Russian, the word "happiness" consists of two significant parts: the prefix "s" and the root "chast". In obsoleteversion of the language, the prefix "s" gave the word a positive connotation, and "part" is translated as "share". Therefore, adding these two values, it turns out - a good share. Similarly with the myth about bread. The abundance of bread has always meant the presence of a "good share" in the house.
There are many consonant words from other languages. For example, in Ukrainian - happiness, in Old Czech and Polish the word "happiness" is written as follows:
štěstí and szczęście.
There is a similarity not only in the meaning of words, but also in their spelling. However, the word from the Proto-Slavic language has the deepest roots. Perhaps all the current words "happiness" come from him.
Also in ancient Greek history there is a myth according to which the goddess Fortune had an assistant Tyche. In addition, the language also has a single-root word eytychia, meaning a good share, fate. From this we can conclude that fortune has a little happiness.
What does "happiness" mean?
The origin is sorted out, but what is the meaning of the word "happiness"? This is the inner mood of a person, the highest degree of satisfaction with life, luck, joy, a light state of mind.
According to Ushakov's dictionary, happiness is:
a state of contentment, well-being, joy from the fullness of life, from satisfaction with life.
This word refers to eternal themes, as well as love, compassion, friendship, peace, etc. Therefore, it is easy to give a precise definitionimpossible.
Everyone has their own happiness. Happiness is family, close people and friends. It is to come home after a hard day's work and lie down in a warm bed. It is to hug a loved one after a long separation. It is by chance on the street to hear your favorite song. This is the hardest exam ever. This is to fulfill his dream, to which he went for many years. Happiness is what makes you want to smile every day.
