Changes

==Origin==

==Origin==

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] spitel, spittel, etc., = Middle Low German spittel, spettel, Middle High German spittel, spittol (German spittel), [[ultimately]] representing an aphetic form of [[hospital]] n., [[modified]] on the [[analogy]] of [[native]] [[words]] in -el. Forms with more [[original]] ending appear in Old High German spitâl (spitaul; German spital), Middle Low German spittâl, spettâl, Middle Dutch spit(t)-, spetael, Middle Danish spital, spedal, Middle Swedish spital(e, spetal(e, Icelandic spítal, -ali. The common [[source]] of these is apparently Italian or Levantine: compare Italian spedale, dialect spitale, modern [[Greek]] σπιτάλι; also medieval Latin spitalerius (1342 in Du Cange), medieval Greek σπιταλιώτης (c1350)

[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] spitel, spittel, etc., = Middle Low German spittel, spettel, Middle High German spittel, spittol (German spittel), [[ultimately]] representing an aphetic form of [[hospital]] n., [[modified]] on the [[analogy]] of [[native]] [[words]] in -el. Forms with more [[original]] ending appear in Old High German spitâl (spitaul; German spital), Middle Low German spittâl, spettâl, Middle Dutch spit(t)-, spetael, Middle Danish spital, spedal, Middle Swedish spital(e, spetal(e, Icelandic spítal, -ali. The common [[source]] of these is apparently Italian or Levantine: compare Italian spedale, dialect spitale, modern [[Greek]] σπιτάλι; also medieval Latin spitalerius (1342 in Du Cange), medieval Greek σπιταλιώτης (c1350)

*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century]

*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century]

==Definitions==

==Definitions==

*1a (1) : spittle, saliva (2) : the act or an instance of spitting  

*1a (1) : spittle, saliva (2) : the act or an instance of spitting  

In the [[past]], '''spittle''' was generally believed to have [[magical]] properties. Early [[humans]], seeing themselves at the [[center]] of the [[universe]], [[perceived]] [[connections]] between their own [[bodies]] and cosmic bodies, gods, and [[demons]]. They related parts of their bodies to [[colors]], [[plants]], [[elements]], and directions. Spittle, [[blood]], sperm, sweat, nails, and hair became magical substances not only as a result of this [[unity]] but also because, after leaving the [[body]], they would retain some [[essence]] of that [[person]]. Spittle could therefore be [[positive]] or [[negative]], depending on the [[intent]] of the spitter. Spitting and [[blood]] [[rites]] have many [[parallels]], since both involve [[holy]] fluids that signify [[psychic]] [[energy]] and are [[necessary]] for sustaining [[physical]] life. Connections are still made between [[body]] fluids and [[feelings]]: anger makes one's [[blood]] "boil"; people spit from [[contempt]] or "spit out" [[words]] in [[hatred]]; and our mouths [[water]] at the [[thought]] of some delight or become dry from [[fear]].

In the [[past]], '''spittle''' was generally believed to have [[magical]] properties. Early [[humans]], seeing themselves at the [[center]] of the [[universe]], [[perceived]] [[connections]] between their own [[bodies]] and cosmic bodies, gods, and [[demons]]. They related parts of their bodies to [[colors]], [[plants]], [[elements]], and directions. Spittle, [[blood]], sperm, sweat, nails, and hair became magical substances not only as a result of this [[unity]] but also because, after leaving the [[body]], they would retain some [[essence]] of that [[person]]. Spittle could therefore be [[positive]] or [[negative]], depending on the [[intent]] of the spitter. Spitting and [[blood]] [[rites]] have many [[parallels]], since both involve [[holy]] fluids that signify [[psychic]] [[energy]] and are [[necessary]] for sustaining [[physical]] life. Connections are still made between [[body]] fluids and [[feelings]]: anger makes one's [[blood]] "boil"; people spit from [[contempt]] or "spit out" [[words]] in [[hatred]]; and our mouths [[water]] at the [[thought]] of some delight or become dry from [[fear]].

In early [[myths]], life created by spitting is [[equivalent]] to the [[breath]] of the [[creator]] or the [[divine]] [[word]]. In one version of an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_Religion Egyptian creation myth], the primeval god [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atum Atum] spits out his children [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_(Egyptian_deity) Shu] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tefnut Tefnut]. Shu was the god of air (e.g., [[breath]]), Tefnut was the goddess of [[moisture]] (e.g., spittle), and the mouth was their place of [[birth]].

In early [[myths]], life created by spitting is [[equivalent]] to the [[breath]] of the [[creator]] or the [[divine]] [[word]]. In one version of an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_Religion Egyptian creation myth], the primeval god [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atum Atum] spits out his children [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shu_(Egyptian_deity) Shu] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tefnut Tefnut]. Shu was the god of air (e.g., [[breath]]), Tefnut was the goddess of [[moisture]] (e.g., spittle), and the mouth was their place of [[birth]].

In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_Mythology Norse mythology] a being called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kvasir Kvasir] was formed from the spittle of the gods. To commemorate a [[peace]] [[treaty]] among them, all the gods spat into a jar, and from this mixture Kvasir was created. He was so [[wise]] that there was no [[question]] he could not answer. Later he was slain by two dwarfs who mixed his [[blood]] with honey and concocted the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead mead] of [[inspiration]][http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead_of_Poetry]. By cunning, the high god [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin Odin] swallowed every drop of the mead, changed himself into an eagle, and returned to the waiting gods, who were holding out vessels for Odin once again to spit out the mead. A drink of this mead bestowed the gift of [[poetry]] on men. On his flight back, however, Odin had lost some of the mead when pursued by a giant who had also assumed the form of an eagle. This part of the mead became known as the fool-poet's portion.

In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_Mythology Norse mythology] a being called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kvasir Kvasir] was formed from the spittle of the gods. To commemorate a [[peace]] [[treaty]] among them, all the gods spat into a jar, and from this mixture Kvasir was created. He was so [[wise]] that there was no [[question]] he could not answer. Later he was slain by two dwarfs who mixed his [[blood]] with honey and concocted the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead mead] of [[inspiration]][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mead_of_Poetry]. By cunning, the high god [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odin Odin] swallowed every drop of the mead, changed himself into an eagle, and returned to the waiting gods, who were holding out vessels for Odin once again to spit out the mead. A drink of this mead bestowed the gift of [[poetry]] on men. On his flight back, however, Odin had lost some of the mead when pursued by a giant who had also assumed the form of an eagle. This part of the mead became known as the fool-poet's portion.

In this [[myth]], the [[holy]] spittle and [[blood]] have become identical, one being [[transformed]] into the other. Mead, [[blood]], and spittle are three familiar [[sources]] of [[inspiration]], here combined in one [[myth]]. The Norse gods' making a [[covenant]] by spitting is related to the [[custom]] of becoming [[blood]] brothers. Similarly, to spit into each other's mouth is a way to [[pledge]] [[friendship]] in East Africa.

In this [[myth]], the [[holy]] spittle and [[blood]] have become identical, one being [[transformed]] into the other. Mead, [[blood]], and spittle are three familiar [[sources]] of [[inspiration]], here combined in one [[myth]]. The Norse gods' making a [[covenant]] by spitting is related to the [[custom]] of becoming [[blood]] brothers. Similarly, to spit into each other's mouth is a way to [[pledge]] [[friendship]] in East Africa.

To [[transmit]] something of themselves, [[holy]] [[persons]] in their [[blessings]] will use some form of [[physical]] [[contact]]. [[Muḥammad]] spat into the mouth of his grandson Ḥasan at his [[birth]]. Similarly, at [[ordination]] the [[priest]] or exorcist in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon ancient Babylon] acquired his [[powers]] by having his mouth spat into, presumably receiving the spittle of the god. Among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luba_people Luba] of present-day [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaire Zaire], a [[candidate]] being [[initiated]] into the order of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorcery sorcerers] drinks a brew containing spittle from each of the [[elders]]; he becomes, thereby, not only [[blessed]] with their [[power]] but also placed forever under their [[control]].

To [[transmit]] something of themselves, [[holy]] [[persons]] in their [[blessings]] will use some form of [[physical]] [[contact]]. [[Muḥammad]] spat into the mouth of his grandson Ḥasan at his [[birth]]. Similarly, at [[ordination]] the [[priest]] or exorcist in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon ancient Babylon] acquired his [[powers]] by having his mouth spat into, presumably receiving the spittle of the god. Among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luba_people Luba] of present-day [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaire Zaire], a [[candidate]] being [[initiated]] into the order of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorcery sorcerers] drinks a brew containing spittle from each of the [[elders]]; he becomes, thereby, not only [[blessed]] with their [[power]] but also placed forever under their [[control]].

The role of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saliva saliva] as a part of [[healing]] is well known all over the world. Sometimes the [[emphasis]] is on the curative [[effect]] of the spittle itself, which is known from the [[fact]] that [[wounds]] in the mouth [[heal]] faster. The [[observation]] of wild [[animals]] licking their wounds added to this [[belief]]. Spittle of people [[fasting]] is widely reported to be particularly [[effective]], and it has even been [[thought]] strong enough to kill snakes.

The role of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saliva saliva] as a part of [[healing]] is well known all over the world. Sometimes the [[emphasis]] is on the curative [[effect]] of the spittle itself, which is known from the [[fact]] that [[wounds]] in the mouth [[heal]] faster. The [[observation]] of wild [[animals]] licking their wounds added to this [[belief]]. Spittle of people [[fasting]] is widely reported to be particularly [[effective]], and it has even been [[thought]] strong enough to kill snakes.

Particular significance has been attributed to the spittle of people with [[unique]] [[powers]]. In his healing, [[Muḥammad]] mixed [[clay]] with spittle. Similarly, [[Christ]] made [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_164#164:3._HEALING_THE_BLIND_BEGGAR mud of spittle and clay] and [[anointed]] the eyes of a blind man, thus restoring his [[sight]]. When he spat and [[touched]] the tongue of a mute (presumably with saliva) the man could [[speak]]. Conferring [[power]] of [[speech]] on an object spat upon is found in many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore folk tales].

Particular significance has been attributed to the spittle of people with [[unique]] [[powers]]. In his healing, [[Muḥammad]] mixed [[clay]] with spittle. Similarly, [[Christ]] made [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_164#164:3._HEALING_THE_BLIND_BEGGAR mud of spittle and clay] and [[anointed]] the eyes of a blind man, thus restoring his [[sight]]. When he spat and [[touched]] the tongue of a mute (presumably with saliva) the man could [[speak]]. Conferring [[power]] of [[speech]] on an object spat upon is found in many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore folk tales].

[[Sickness]] is often considered a form of [[Possessed|possession]] by [[demons]] who can be exorcised by spitting. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_Islands Babar archipelago] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia Indonesia], all the sick people expectorate into a bowl that is then placed in a boat to be carried out to [[sea]]. In one [[Buddhist]] tale, even [[sins]] and misfortunes vanish, if one spits upon a [[holy]] [[ascetic]].

[[Sickness]] is often considered a form of [[Possessed|possession]] by [[demons]] who can be exorcised by spitting. In the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babar_Islands Babar archipelago] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia Indonesia], all the sick people expectorate into a bowl that is then placed in a boat to be carried out to [[sea]]. In one [[Buddhist]] tale, even [[sins]] and misfortunes vanish, if one spits upon a [[holy]] [[ascetic]].

Spittle is also a [[protective]] [[agent]]. In [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe southern Europe], [[praise]] is sometimes accompanied by spitting to avert the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye evil eye]. Fear of the gods' envy makes some people spit [[three]] times, since three is a lucky number. Seeing a black cat or magpies (animals associated with witches), hearing [[names]] of dead people (for [[fear]] they might return), or smelling a bad odor (to avoid contamination) are all occasions when spitting becomes a safeguard. Before discarding hair or nails, one should spit so as to prevent their being used by witches in black [[magic]]. Because of the same [[belief]] that something of the [[person]] continues to exist in the saliva, great [[care]] was taken not to be seen spitting. Behind the [[custom]] of spitting on [[money]] found in the street lies the [[fear]] that, as a fairy gift, it might disappear.

Spittle is also a [[protective]] [[agent]]. In [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe southern Europe], [[praise]] is sometimes accompanied by spitting to avert the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye evil eye]. Fear of the gods' envy makes some people spit [[three]] times, since three is a lucky number. Seeing a black cat or magpies (animals associated with witches), hearing [[names]] of dead people (for [[fear]] they might return), or smelling a bad odor (to avoid contamination) are all occasions when spitting becomes a safeguard. Before discarding hair or nails, one should spit so as to prevent their being used by witches in black [[magic]]. Because of the same [[belief]] that something of the [[person]] continues to exist in the saliva, great [[care]] was taken not to be seen spitting. Behind the [[custom]] of spitting on [[money]] found in the street lies the [[fear]] that, as a fairy gift, it might disappear.

Good [[luck]] can also be invoked by spitting. And the familiar [[custom]] of spitting on one's hands before starting a strenuous task, thus adding [[power]], also [[reveals]] some lingering [[faith]] in the [[magic]] of spittle.[http://0-go.galegroup.com.catalog.sewanee.edu/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CCX3424502959&v=2.1&u=sewa21847&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w]

Good [[luck]] can also be invoked by spitting. And the familiar [[custom]] of spitting on one's hands before starting a strenuous task, thus adding [[power]], also [[reveals]] some lingering [[faith]] in the [[magic]] of spittle.[https://0-go.galegroup.com.catalog.sewanee.edu/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CCX3424502959&v=2.1&u=sewa21847&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w]

[[Category: Anthropology]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]