DAYBREAK
Wild Word Friday!
Sometimes a word is pure poetry. Take DAYBREAK for example – isn’t that just a great word? And here’s the best news. English isn’t the only language to use a poetic word to depict that first daily glimpse of sun.
The Sanskrit word for dawn means having become light.
Russian and Polish words for DAYBREAK refer to morning red or morning splendor.
Lettic speakers said morning twilight, as do speakers of New High German.
Old English speakers referred to day rim. Middle English speakers said dayrawe, with rawe (pronounced row) meaning beam or ray.
Ancient peoples of Iceland said dagsbrun (pronounced with a long u), which means brow of the day.
In Ireland, people referred to the ring of the day– the first circled edge of the sun. (Another more colloquial expression was last drinking. Always good to have a limit!)
It seems that when it comes to breaking the night, many people have allowed the poetry of words to express their appreciation for a new day!
Q4U: Which of the expressions above or from any other language is your favorite?
Blessings!
Sue
in the Netherlands daybreak = “”dageraad”
(dag=day, dage= old Dutch for day and raad=guessing)
I think it actually means “see what the day will bring us”
Jackie, That is perfect! I love this “version” of DAYBREAK and always appreciate so much your multiligual knowledge!
Daybreak is the best time of the day when everything smells so fresh and clean you feel like you can tackle almost anything.
Absolutely, Trish!