In medieval times, knights and nobles rode huge warhorses carefully bred for fighting and strength.
The life we lead today is the result of what came before us.
Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many common phrases and customs we use today with origins dating back to ancient times.
Here are five expressions that we use and their historical backgrounds.
Get off your high horse.
Have you ever wondered where this expression came from?
In medieval times, knights and nobles rode huge warhorses carefully bred for fighting and strength.
These horses, known as Destriers, often wore as much plate and mail armor as their owners, which sometimes cost as much as good armor did.
When two knights rode out to parley, they would tell each other to “Step down from thy Destrier” so they could speak as equals.
Eating Humble Pie.
Everyone has heard the phrase “Eat Humble Pie,” but what does it mean?
Well, a Humble Pie is a pie made from a game animal’s minced-up “pluck,” including the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, usually from a deer.
This is called a “Humble” pie because it is a variation of the term “Umble,” which comes from the French word “Nomble,” meaning “Deer’s Innards.”
This type of pie is considered lowly and humbling, especially when compared to a good cut of venison, and this is why eating humble pie reflects someone’s humility.
Living Over The Brush.
The term “Living Over The Brush” is used to describe an unmarried couple living together.
This comes from the ancient marriage tradition of jumping over a broom to solidify a marriage that could not be blessed by a religious official.
After exchanging vows, the couple would hold hands and jump over a broom or brush handle together held by the two most respected elders in the village.
This practice is still used to seal the union of two people in Pagan hand-fasting ceremonies.
The Right-Handed Hand Shake.
In most cultures, a right-handed handshake is the customary greeting, whether between colleagues or friends.
This custom dates back to medieval times to indicate to someone that you are not armed.
As most fighters were right-handed swordsmen, shaking hands with the right hand demonstrated to the other party that you were not going to draw your weapon and harm them.
As a side note, Scouts and Girl Guides shake hands with their left hand as a visual metaphor for their motto, “Always Be Prepared.”
Clinking Your Glasses Together and Saying “Cheers!”
The tradition of clinking glasses together and saying “Cheers!” originated in ancient Greece, a time when there was a possibility that someone might try to poison you.
The act of clinking glasses together has a deeper meaning. It involves spilling a bit of your drink into the other person’s glass and vice versa. This tradition originated as a sign of trust between two parties. If someone tries to poison you, they would be poisoning themselves too. However, if you are paranoid, it’s best to watch where someone pours the drinks from and never consume anything unless you’ve seen someone else do it. These five simple phrases and actions have roots in history. The next time you meet someone and shake their hands, explain the origin of the gesture. Similarly, if you’re looking for a conversation starter at a bar, cheers with someone and tell them why people do it.
FAQ
1. What are some phrases we use today that originated in ancient times?
There are many phrases that we use today that have their roots in ancient times. For example, “carpe diem” is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day” and is still used to encourage people to make the most of their time. “Beware the Ides of March” is another phrase from ancient Rome that has become a warning to be cautious of impending danger. “All roads lead to Rome” is a phrase that originated from the vast network of roads built by the Roman Empire, which made it possible to travel to Rome from anywhere in the empire.
2. What is the origin of the handshake?
The handshake is a common greeting that has its roots in ancient Greece. In those times, a handshake was a symbol of peace, as it was a way to show that neither person was carrying a weapon. Over time, the handshake became a common form of greeting in many cultures and is still used today as a way to show respect and trust.
3. Why do we say “cheers” when we toast?
The tradition of toasting has been around since ancient times and was used as a way to ensure that the drink was safe to consume. To show that the drink was not poisoned, people would pour a small amount of each person’s drink into everyone else’s cup. “Cheers” comes from the French word “chers,” which means “dear” or “beloved.” It was a way to express affection for the person you were drinking with.
4. What is the significance of the olive branch?
The olive branch is a symbol of peace that has been used since ancient times. In Greek mythology, the goddess Athena gave an olive tree to the people of Athens as a symbol of peace and prosperity. The olive branch has been used as a symbol of peace in many cultures and is still used today as a symbol of hope and reconciliation.
5. What is the origin of the word “academy”?
The word “academy” comes from the name of a school that was founded by the philosopher Plato in ancient Greece. The school was located in a grove of trees near Athens called Akademia, which gave rise to the name “Academy.” Today, the word is used to describe a place of learning or a society of scholars.
6. Why do we still use the term “martial arts”?
The term “martial arts” comes from the Latin word “martialis,” which means “of Mars,” the Roman god of war. In ancient times, martial arts were used as a way to train soldiers in hand-to-hand combat. Today, martial arts are still practiced as a form of self-defense and physical fitness.
7. What is the history behind the Olympic Games?
The Olympic Games have their roots in ancient Greece. They were held every four years in honor of the god Zeus and included athletic competitions such as running, jumping, and wrestling. The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896 and have been held every four years since then, with athletes from all over the world competing in a variety of events.
8. Why do we still use the phrase “spill the beans”?
The phrase “spill the beans” is believed to have originated in ancient Greece. It was a common practice to hold a jar of beans as a way of voting, with a white bean indicating a “yes” vote and a black bean indicating a “no” vote. If someone accidentally spilled the beans, it would reveal the outcome of the vote before it was officially announced. Today, the phrase is used to mean revealing a secret or confidential information.
9. What is the significance of the number 13?
The number 13 has been considered unlucky since ancient times. In Norse mythology, there were 12 gods and goddesses who held a banquet, but a 13th guest, Loki, arrived uninvited and caused chaos. In Christianity, there were 13 people at the Last Supper, and the 13th person, Judas, betrayed Jesus. Today, many people still consider 13 to be an unlucky number and avoid it whenever possible.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.