menhir etymology

Etymology:

The word "menhir" is derived from the Breton language, where it consists of two parts:

• men (stone)
• hir (long)

Together, they form "menhir," meaning "long stone."

Meaning and Origin:

Menhirs are large, upright stones that were erected during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They served a variety of purposes, including:

• Mark boundaries: They were often placed at the borders of territories or properties.
• Commemorate events: They could commemorate important events or individuals, such as burials or victories.
• Religious significance: Some menhirs were associated with religious rituals and ceremonies.
• Astronomical alignment: Some menhirs were aligned with celestial bodies, such as the sun or stars, and may have been used for observing astronomical phenomena.

The origin of menhirs is not fully understood, but they are believed to have evolved from earlier forms of standing stones. The largest and most famous concentration of menhirs is found at Carnac in Brittany, France, where over 3,000 stones are aligned in rows. Menhirs are also found in other parts of Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, and England.

menhir relate terms

• soiree

  Etymology French soirée Late Latin serota late hour Latin serus late Me

• standing

  Etymology Originating from the Old English word standan which means to be upright

• stone

  Etymology The word stone comes from the Old English word stān which is derived from

• reproach

  Etymology Middle English reprouchen from Old French reprochier from Late Latin reproba

• appreciate

  Etymology Origin Latin appreciare from ad towards and pretium price value M

• minion

  Etymology The word minion is derived from the Old French word mignon meaning darlin

• republic

  Etymology Derived from the Latin word res publica literally meaning public thing or

• Saxon

  Etymology Saxon is a term derived from the Old English word Seaxe which referred to th

• proud

  Etymology Old English prūd prūde Proto Germanic prūdiz Proto Indo European prew

• buck

  Etymology The word buck has several origins Middle English bocke from Old Engli