Within our English language there is an interesting phrase. It is often said when concluding a conversation. The word is "goodbye". If you happen to be an atheist or an agnostic, you might want to consider another word to use when parting...just sayin.'
Going into the 16th century there were many changes going on in various cultures throughout the known world. The Renaissance had arrived, and plays were being written by a man named William Shakespeare. The plays he wrote were much different from the religious themes of past centuries. He wrote on the vanities and the humanism of man himself, giving way to a new era that challenged the authority of the Roman church.
The Roman Catholic church, an organization that had dominant influence on mankind in western Europe, was now under question in reference to the fate of man. Where does one go when he/she passes into the hereafter. Even the great artists of this period seem to paint God in a more human form rather than the saintly halos and "mystics of the Holy." New and beautiful paintings like that of Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in 1543 were being created for public view.
Numerous historians regard the 16th century as "the rise of Renaissance" or "the rise of the West" and its presence became very much apparent. Early on both Spain and Portugal had discovered and established new ocean trade routes to lands far to the west of the Roman Europe. One of the leaders of these new discoveries was Christopher Columbus, had passed away in Spain in 1506.
While places like the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East continued expansion, the Roman Catholic church was now facing the rise of the Protestant Reformation including kings like Henry VIII breaking away from the Roman church while the leaders of the church of Rome were now focused on the Middle East like the city of Jerusalem. Along with centuries of war with Muslims in the region, the Jewish community seemed to be getting on the nerves of the Roman Catholic papacy. In 1593, Pope Clement VIII proclaimed: " All the world suffers from the usury of the Jews." It appears the control of money was the real motive behind the various dissensions. The ideas of Christendom were being shaken at its core, as were the fears and faith of those who embraced the centuries long beliefs taught by the Roman church. Equally, death gripped the hearts of many with various plagues on society, including the black plague in the mid-1400's.
For over two centuries famines and plagues had taken heavy tolls on the lives of many occupying western Europe and now 1/2 of all infants born died before the age of 12 months. The poor rarely lived beyond the age of 40 while the rich might make it to age 48.
So, what does all this have to do with the word "good-bye"?
The word "good-bye" dates back to this era and is short for the phrase "God be with ye". The phrases "good-night" or "good-morning" also come with the same implications. The intent of this fare well was to express good wishes to another through the blessings of almighty God.
Why was it said in this matter? No one really knows for sure, perhaps saying the word God out loud might stir controversy or harm depending on a person's belief, whether it be of Roman catholic origin, those of the Protestant Reformation, or another religion altogether. Maybe it was a similar form of communication like Christians of the 1st century who made the sign of a fish to identify them as Christians.
At any rate, remember when you choose to use phrases like "good-night, good-morning, or good-bye", you are wishing a blessing upon another from a God you believe in.
"Good-bye!"
Going into the 16th century there were many changes going on in various cultures throughout the known world. The Renaissance had arrived, and plays were being written by a man named William Shakespeare. The plays he wrote were much different from the religious themes of past centuries. He wrote on the vanities and the humanism of man himself, giving way to a new era that challenged the authority of the Roman church.
Numerous historians regard the 16th century as "the rise of Renaissance" or "the rise of the West" and its presence became very much apparent. Early on both Spain and Portugal had discovered and established new ocean trade routes to lands far to the west of the Roman Europe. One of the leaders of these new discoveries was Christopher Columbus, had passed away in Spain in 1506.
For over two centuries famines and plagues had taken heavy tolls on the lives of many occupying western Europe and now 1/2 of all infants born died before the age of 12 months. The poor rarely lived beyond the age of 40 while the rich might make it to age 48.
So, what does all this have to do with the word "good-bye"?
The word "good-bye" dates back to this era and is short for the phrase "God be with ye". The phrases "good-night" or "good-morning" also come with the same implications. The intent of this fare well was to express good wishes to another through the blessings of almighty God.
Why was it said in this matter? No one really knows for sure, perhaps saying the word God out loud might stir controversy or harm depending on a person's belief, whether it be of Roman catholic origin, those of the Protestant Reformation, or another religion altogether. Maybe it was a similar form of communication like Christians of the 1st century who made the sign of a fish to identify them as Christians.
At any rate, remember when you choose to use phrases like "good-night, good-morning, or good-bye", you are wishing a blessing upon another from a God you believe in.
"Good-bye!"
No comments:
Post a Comment