pyrolatry etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: pyr (fire) + latreia (worship)

Meaning:

  • The worship or reverence of fire as a deity or sacred element.

Origin:

  • The concept of pyrolatry can be traced back to ancient cultures across the globe:

  • Zoroastrianism: The Zoroastrian religion, originating in ancient Persia, considered fire as a manifestation of the divine and a symbol of purity. Fire temples were central to Zoroastrian worship.

  • Hinduism: In Hinduism, the fire god Agni is one of the most important deities, representing both the destructive and creative aspects of the cosmos. Fire rituals, known as yajnas, play a significant role in Hindu ceremonies.
  • Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians worshipped the fire goddess Isis-Hathor, who was associated with the sun and fertility. Temple fires were maintained as a symbol of her presence.
  • Ancient Greece and Rome: In classical Greece, fire was associated with the god Hephaestus, while in ancient Rome, it was worshipped as the goddess Vesta. Roman temples contained a sacred flame that was never allowed to go out.
  • Indigenous cultures: Many indigenous cultures around the world have traditions involving fire worship. For example, the Navajo people of North America hold ceremonial fires that symbolize purification, renewal, and connection to the ancestors.

Over time, the practice of pyrolatry declined in most cultures due to the rise of other religions and the influence of rationalism and science. However, it continues to be practiced in some religious traditions and in certain spiritual practices.

pyrolatry relate terms

  • larceny

    Etymology Middle English larcenye Old French larrecin Late Latin latrocinium robbe

  • pyro

    Etymology Greek pyr fire Meaning Relating to fire or its properties Origin

  • worship

    Etymology The word worship comes from the Old English word weorthscipe which means

  • microphone

    Etymology The word microphone is derived from two Greek words μικρός mikros

  • grammar

    Grammar Etymology From Old French grammaire from Medieval Latin grammatica borrowed f

  • dismal

    Etymology The word dismal originates from the Old French word dismaler meaning to s

  • octopus

    Etymology From Ancient Greek ὀκτώπους oktōpous from ὀκτώ oktō eig

  • defenestration

    Etymology Latin defenestratio from de meaning down or out of and fenestra mea

  • obsequious

    Etymology From Middle French obsequieux from Anglo Norman obsequeux from Medieval Lat

  • picnic

    Etymology The word picnic is derived from the French phrase pique nique which means

  • Arab

  • battery

    Etymology Battery comes from the Late Latin word batteria meaning a beating Meani