The origins of words and phrases hold the key to many mysteries that would otherwise never be discovered.
During the 135 AD siege of Jerusalem, so great and severe was the struggle, that Hadrian, in announcing to the Roman Senate the conclusion of the war, refrained from using the usual congratulatory phrase. The city was then obliterated. Its very name was changed, and it was renamed Aelia Capitolinus. For 200 years the city passed out of history, no Jews being permitted to approach it. So great was the relief which Rome experienced by this suppression of Jerusalem and the Jews, that the toast became common at Roman feasts, "Hierosolyma Est Perdita," "Jerusalem is destroyed," the guests immediately greeting it with the shout Hurrah. This is the origin of our "Hep! Hep! Hurrah," H, E, P, being the abbreviation of the three words, formed by their initial letters (on the principle known as Notarica, or Notricon). To this day Hep or Hip is said by only one person, the rest joining in the shout which greets it!
So...next time you're at a party, what thoughts will travel through your head when you hear, "Hip, Hip, Hurrah!"?
2 comments:
That's awful. All this time, I had no clue what this common cheer meant. I don't think I'll be saying this ever again... Thanks!
Es interesante.....nos enseña a pensar las cosas antes de decirlas.
We need to think before say something.
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