omphalos etymology

Etymology

The word "omphalos" comes from the Greek word "ὀμφαλός" (omphalos), which means "navel".

Meaning

In ancient Greek religion, the omphalos was a sacred stone that was believed to be the center of the world. It was often placed in temples and was used as a focus for religious rituals. The omphalos was also associated with the god Zeus, and was said to be the place where he was born.

Origin

The origin of the omphalos is unclear. Some scholars believe that it may have been a meteorite, while others believe that it was a natural stone that was shaped by human hands. The omphalos was first mentioned in Greek literature in the 6th century BCE, and it continued to be an important religious symbol until the rise of Christianity.

Use in Modern Times

The omphalos is still used as a symbol of the center of the world in some cultures. For example, the omphalos stone in Delphi, Greece, is still considered to be the center of the world by some people. The omphalos is also used as a symbol of the human body, and is often depicted in art and literature as a representation of the navel.

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