Happiness ... What does this word mean? After all, how often they say: “I am happy!”, “This is great happiness!”, “You had a happy chance!” But what does happiness really mean? What is the origin of the word "happiness"? The answers to these questions are given in this article.
The origin of the word "happiness": Old Russian sources
Plunging into ancient Russian history, you can find one very interesting legend. Since ancient times, bread has been an integral part of the Russian table. It was life itself, power, wisdom; therefore, when a child was born in the house, the best bread was baked. Then the product was divided into equal parts and one was given to the newborn. So the people got an expression that everyone begins life “with a part” of well-being. It is believed that subsequently the word "happiness" appeared.
Official sources
Proceeding from Old Russian, the word "happiness" consists of two significant parts: the prefix "ed" and the root "part". In the outdated version of the language, the prefix "ed" gave the word a positive connotation, and "part" is translated as "share". Therefore, adding up these two values, it turns out - a good share. Similarly, with the myth of bread. The abundance of bread has always meant the presence of a "good share" in the house.
There are many consonant words from other languages. For example, in Ukrainian - Happiness, in ancient Bohemian and Polish the word "happiness" is written as follows:
štěstí and szczęście.
There is a similarity not only in the meaning of words, but also in their spelling. However, the word from the Slavic language has the deepest roots. Perhaps all the current words of "happiness" come from him.
Also in ancient Greek history there is a myth according to which the goddess Fortune had a Tyche helper. In addition, the language has the same root word eytychia, which means a good share, fate. From this we can conclude that fortune has a bit of happiness.
What does "happiness" mean?
Understood the origin, but what is the meaning of the word "happiness"? This is the person’s inner mood, the greatest degree of satisfaction with life, luck, joy, easy state of mind.
According to Ushakov’s dictionary, happiness is:
a state of contentment, well-being, joy from the fullness of life, from satisfaction with life.
This word refers to eternal topics, as well as love, compassion, friendship, peace, etc. Therefore, it is simply impossible to give an exact definition.
Everyone has their own happiness. Happiness is a family, relatives near and friends. It is to come home after a hard working day and lie in a warm bed. This hug a loved one after a long separation. It is by chance on the street to hear your favorite song. This is the pass the most difficult exam. This is to realize your dream, which has been going for many years. Happiness is what makes you want to smile every day.