peyote etymology

Etymology:

  • Peyote comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word "peyotl", which means "the plant that intoxicates."

Meaning and Origin:

Peyote is a small, spineless cactus (Lophophora williamsii) that contains the psychoactive alkaloid mescaline. It has been used for ceremonial and religious practices by indigenous peoples of Mexico and the southwestern United States for centuries.

Origins:

  • The earliest known archaeological evidence of peyote use dates back to around 5700 BCE in the Tamaulipas region of Mexico.
  • Peyote was first described by Europeans in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors encountered it among the Nahuatl peoples of central Mexico.
  • The use of peyote remained primarily limited to indigenous communities in Mexico and the southwestern United States until the late 19th century.

Religious and Cultural Significance:

  • Peyote is considered a sacred plant by many indigenous peoples and is central to their religious and spiritual ceremonies.
  • In the Native American Church, which was founded in the late 19th century, peyote is used as a sacrament in religious ceremonies and for healing purposes.
  • Peyote use has also been adopted by some non-indigenous religious groups, such as the Neo-American Church and the Church of the White Eagle.

peyote relate terms

  • mescal

    Etymology The word mescal originates from the Nahuatl Aztec word mexcalli which t

  • native

    Etymology Native derives from the Old and Middle English word natif which in turn c

  • cactus

    Etymology The word cactus is derived from the Greek word kaktos which refers to a th

  • interpolate

    Etymology The word interpolate derives from the Latin interpolare which means to al

  • occult

    Etymology The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus which means hidden

  • debate

    Etymology The word debate derives from the Old French word debatre which in turn com

  • naughty

    Etymology The word naughty is derived from the Middle English word naughte meaning

  • knight

    Etymology Middle English knyght from Old English cniht Proto West Germanic knehtaz

  • Jesus

    Etymology The name Jesus is derived from the Greek name Iēsous Ἰησοῦς whi