What is a laurel? First of all, the associations associated with this word relate to the well-known seasoning - bay leaf. And often on this the imagination is exhausted.
But if you look a little deeper, it turns out that not only culinary recipes are associated with the laurel, but also many historical and mythological moments. Detailed information about what a laurel will be given in today's review.
Laurel like a plant
There are several meanings of the word "laurel" in the dictionary. One of them is a tree under that name. But, it turns out, this name means not one, but many plants. Here is what is said about them:
- An evergreen plant growing in the southern regions (trees and shrubs), belonging to the Laurel family.
- Noble bay - a tree whose leaves are used as a spice in the form of the well-known and so popular bay leaf. And also it is from the leaves of such a tree that a laurel wreath is made, which is a symbol of victory and glory.
- Alexandria Laurel is also a tree, but having a different application. Tamanu oil is made from it, which is used both as a medicine and as a cosmetic. It expands capillaries and strengthens hair, nails, improves skin condition.
- Camphor laurel or camphor tree - is a source of camphor. It is obtained from wood or resin in Indonesia, China, Japan. Widely used in medicine and aromatherapy, to combat moths.
Other interpretations
About what it is - “laurel”, the dictionaries also say the following:
- A rare male name. For example, this was the name of the Russian commander Kornilov Lavr Georgievich, who was a very versatile person - an infantry general, military intelligence, military attache, traveler-explorer, hero of the Russian-Japanese and World War I, the leader of the White movement in southern Russia.
- The title of the film award awarded in areas such as television and non-fiction films. Presentation has been going on since 2000. Since 2008, it has been called the Laurel Branch. The prize’s prize is a bronze sculpture called “Laurel”, created by sculptor Vadim Kirillov, and a cash prize is also awarded.
- The name of the life novel written in 2012 by Evgeny Vodolazkin, doctor of philological sciences, Russian writer. In Roman, the main character is the herbalist Arseny, who has the powers of a healer. After the death of his wife and son during childbirth, he becomes a wanderer, treats people, makes a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and then tonsured as a monk, taking the name Laurus.
Plural
What does the laurel in the plural mean? This is a figure of speech, denoting the appropriate retribution and veneration for high achievements in a certain field.
The origin of this concept comes from the tradition that existed among the ancient Greeks and Romans, according to which during various kinds of solemn rites, religious ceremonies and sacrifices, laurel branches were used, symbolizing honor, glory, triumph.
As mentioned above, these branches, like wreaths, were composed of leaves of laurel noble. They acted as an attribute of the winning side. Initially, they were considered as an honorary sign of the winners of the Pythian Games, who were musical for the first time, and from the 6th century BC. e. also sports.
After that, they awarded the best poets and speakers, as well as generals who returned triumphantly from victorious campaigns. They were worn on their heads in the form of wreaths, they were decorated with banners, tents, weapons and parts of warships.
For a better understanding of what a laurel is, consider examples of its use in stable terms.
Phraseologisms
The word "laurels" and related traditions gave rise to a number of winged expressions, such as:
- "To crown with laurels" - to glorify someone, to honor him.
- "Reap Laurels" - enjoy the fruits of your victories and glory.
- “Rest on our laurels” - enjoy success, idle.
Those who were awarded laurels were called laureates.
Today in some states the official part of symbolism is the bronze branch of the laurel. She is present at awards, orders and medals. In Russia, it is included in the composition of the tombstone at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Moscow, near the Kremlin wall.
To conclude the study of the question of what a laurel is, let us cite one of the ancient Greek myths, which has the closest connection with this concept.
Apollo and Daphne
The laurel tree, to which the prophetic gift was attributed, was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. His priests, called laurel eaters, ate leaves to see the future. There was still a belief that the laurel protects against lightning. The myth of a beautiful nymph under the name Daphne, meaning "laurel" in ancient Greek, is also associated with this plant.
Having defeated Python, Apollo began to mock the bow and arrows of the god of love Eros. He in revenge struck him with love for Daphne, but in him he sent an arrow of antipathy, causing hostility to Apollo.
When the sun god began to pursue Daphne, she turned with a prayer to her parents (Gaia - the earth and Penaiah - the river god) and was turned into a laurel tree. By the will of Apollo, the tree remained evergreen, and the laurel wreath was an indispensable attribute of Apollo.