Many words have survived to this day that have changed their meaning more than once, for example, "airplane". In the modern sense, it is an aircraft, and earlier a plane was called a ferry or a weaving shuttle.
Some have remained unchanged, just a different meaning of the term has come to the fore. The meaning of the word "cherish" is given by many peoples of the world, it means "to caress", "groom", "undead", "delight", "keep in the soul", "amuse". In English lull - “to lull”, that is, rocking a child to a song, in ancient Indian lelayati - “rocks to sleep”, in German (ein) lullen - “to lull”.
Versions of the origin of the word "cherish"
There are many versions of the origin of the meaning of the word "cherish". Here are two of them:
- In Slavic mythology, Lyalya (or Lelya) is the goddess of spring, a symbol of the rebirth of nature in spring. The rituals dedicated to Lele began on March 9 (March 22 according to the new style) on the days of the arrival of larks. There was a special holiday for girls - "lyalnik". On April 22 (May 5) a "goddess" was worshiped, played by the most beautiful girl. They put a wreath on her head, seated her on a bench, put offerings (milk, cheese,butter, sour cream, bread), danced around her.
- The ancient Slavs had a god of love passion Lel (Leljo, Lyubich), from his name the term "cherish" - to love and undead. The stork (heron) is considered his sacred bird, which is called "leleka" in some languages. Lel kindled the hearts of people with a fierce flame of love, the sparks of which he threw from his hands, unlike the arrows of Cupid and Eros. The passion kindled by Lel flared up especially brightly in the spring and on the Kupala night. It was impossible to sleep that night! It was necessary to sing songs, walk late, jump over the fire and have mercy on your loved one.
Usage examples
In modern colloquial Russian, the word "cherish" is not used, most often it is used in poetry.
The moment love fades, our heart still cherishes its memory. (A. S. Pushkin)
So that all night, all day, cherishing my hearing, about love, a sweet voice sang to me. (M. Yu. Lermontov)
So what is "cherish" and what is the meaning of this word? So:
- Caring for someone: "A father cherished and spoiled his only daughter."
- Keep in the soul: "He cherished her image in the soul."
- To indulge in some feeling: "Churish the hope of meeting."
- Delight the senses: "Churish the ear with song."
Now you have learned a little about the word that is familiar to you from childhood.
