Barbarous names
Encyclopedia
A barbarous name is a meaningless or seemingly meaningless word used in magic
rituals. The term barbarous comes from the Greek barbaroi meaning those who do not follow Greek customs, barbarian
. Often these names were derived from foreign sources and acquired their "barbarous" nature from the magician's lack of understanding of that language.
One example includes the meaningless magical curse words frequently employed on Roman "defixiones", or curse tablets of the sort which were thrown in sacred spring waters like those found in Aquae Sulis
, the Roman site of Bath, England. This type of word, such as "Bazagra", "Bescu" and "Berebescu", are seemingly of Etruscan origin, and were intended to lend magical power to the curse. These curses were frequently intended to acquire a divinity's aid in punishing or seeking vengeance on one's enemies.
Other examples better known in the modern era include Abracadabra
and Hocus Pocus
.
Compare the history of "Baphomet
".
Magic (paranormal)
Magic is the claimed art of manipulating aspects of reality either by supernatural means or through knowledge of occult laws unknown to science. It is in contrast to science, in that science does not accept anything not subject to either direct or indirect observation, and subject to logical...
rituals. The term barbarous comes from the Greek barbaroi meaning those who do not follow Greek customs, barbarian
Barbarian
Barbarian and savage are terms used to refer to a person who is perceived to be uncivilized. The word is often used either in a general reference to a member of a nation or ethnos, typically a tribal society as seen by an urban civilization either viewed as inferior, or admired as a noble savage...
. Often these names were derived from foreign sources and acquired their "barbarous" nature from the magician's lack of understanding of that language.
One example includes the meaningless magical curse words frequently employed on Roman "defixiones", or curse tablets of the sort which were thrown in sacred spring waters like those found in Aquae Sulis
Aquae Sulis
Aquae Sulis was a small town in the Roman province of Britannia. Today it is known as Bath, located in the English county of Somerset.-Baths and temple complex:...
, the Roman site of Bath, England. This type of word, such as "Bazagra", "Bescu" and "Berebescu", are seemingly of Etruscan origin, and were intended to lend magical power to the curse. These curses were frequently intended to acquire a divinity's aid in punishing or seeking vengeance on one's enemies.
Other examples better known in the modern era include Abracadabra
Abracadabra
Abracadabra is an incantation used as a magic word in stage magic tricks, and historically was believed to have healing powers when inscribed on an amulet...
and Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus (magic)
Hocus Pocus or hocus-pocus is a generic term that may be derived from an ancient language and is presently used by magicians, usually the magic words spoken when bringing about some sort of change. It was once a common term for a magician, juggler, or other similar entertainer.The origins of the...
.
Compare the history of "Baphomet
Baphomet
Baphomet is an imagined pagan deity , revived in the 19th century as a figure of occultism and Satanism. It appeared as a term for a pagan idol in trial transcripts of the Inquisition of the Knights Templar in the early 14th century...
".