"Sprinkle the head with ashes": the meaning of phraseology, the history of its origin, use

As is known, some stable phrases contain information about various national traditions that they have committed or are still committing to this day. They include the expression "sprinkle the head with ashes." In this article we will consider what it means, how it appeared, where, when and why it is used in speech, and whether synonymous phrases can be chosen for it.

"Sprinkle with ashes": the importance of phraseology

Interpretation of expression is very grievous because of the disaster that happened, the loss of valuable. That's what it means to "sprinkle ashes on your head." This expression conveys deep sorrow at loss, trouble. For example, if some great grief has occurred, whether it be the death of a loved one or another major loss.

Verbatim stable expressions should not be taken. To understand their meaning, it is necessary to consider the etymology of the phrase. With its help, the expression becomes meaningful and becomes understandable.

History of origin of this phraseology

To find out where this stable phrase comes from in our speech, it is necessary to open the Bible. In it we learn about the unusual tradition of the Jews, which they committed at the time of death or other great misfortune of their loved ones, as well as their own troubles. At such times, they poured ash on their heads or land. Such a ritual showed their sorrow and despair. It was a landmark and contained a deep meaning.

Now, after getting acquainted with the etymology of the expression "sprinkle the head with ashes", the meaning of phraseology seems to us quite understandable and explainable.

Synonyms of a stable phrase

The phraseology under consideration can be replaced by various verbs and expressions. For example, use the following words and combinations instead: grieve, mourn, miss, despair. Or it can be replaced by another stable expression: "tearing your clothes on yourself." Its meaning is the same as the phrase "sprinkle the head with ashes." The meaning of phraseology also expresses the extreme degree of despair and sorrow. At the same time, its origin is also connected with the people's tradition. Only it belongs no longer to the Jews, but to the ancient Greeks and Slavs. Also it was borrowed and some other people. As a sign of sorrow, they tore their clothes.

Strangely enough, but such an archaic tradition is still observed by some peoples. It is also worth noting that they tore not only clothes, but also hair. This expressed complete despair. It is not by chance that there is such an expression as "tearing your hair". It is also synonymous with phraseology for the phrase we are considering.

The use of expression

It is unlikely that in modern conversational speech we can hear the phrase "sprinkle the head with ashes." The meaning of phraseology, even if known to someone, few will decide to use such a phrase. It can decorate their speech and with the same success can put the interlocutor in an embarrassing situation. Rather, this phraseology should be used in the media and fiction.

Journalists and writers like to insert into their works various steady turns. Thus, they revitalize their work, make the language brighter, and the descriptions - deeper. As an example, we can cite an excerpt from the story of writer Yuri Nagibin, "Arise and Go". "And the fact that after the arrest of my father I was deprived of the Sunday ruble, it was more a ritual gesture, like the strewing of the ashes of the head, rather than the need." As we see, the writer used in his story the expression we are considering. Thus, he managed to show readers that the gesture was ritual, that is, although it was not justified, it is obligatory, like the tradition of sprinkling ashes with the ashes of ancient Jews.

Conclusion

Having considered this expression, we learned its meaning, the history of its origin, selected synonyms for it, and clarified the scope of its application.