upas etymology

Etymology:

• Sanskrit: उपास (upāsa), meaning "near," "close by"

Meaning:

• In Hinduism: The upas is a mythical tree said to be extremely poisonous and lethal to all life that approaches it.
• Figuratively: A person or thing that is deadly, dangerous, or harmful.

Origin:

The myth of the upas tree originated in Java, where the naturalist Dr. Thomas Horsfield witnessed the effects of a toxic tree known as the Java Upas (Antiaris toxicaria). The poisonous sap of this tree was used to coat arrows and darts for hunting and warfare.

European explorers and writers exaggerated the toxicity of the tree, claiming that it killed all life within a vast radius and that even the wind blowing over it could cause death. These exaggerated accounts led to the creation of the mythical upas tree in European literature and folklore.

Additional Notes:

• The upas tree does not exist in reality, but the Java Upas tree is indeed poisonous.
• The origin of the name "upāsa" in Sanskrit reflects the belief that the tree grew near the homes of evil spirits.
• The myth of the upas tree has been used as a metaphor for deadly secrets, hidden dangers, and the consequences of approaching evil.

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