Английская Википедия:Amaracus

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Файл:Marjolaine.jpg
Origanum majorana.

In Greek mythology, Amaracus (Шаблон:Lang-grc) is a young Cypriot boy who transformed into a marjoram plant, an aromatic herb that was one of Aphrodite's most commonly associated plants.[1]

Etymology

The ancient Greek word for marjoram (origanum majorana) is Шаблон:Lang, amarakon.Шаблон:Sfn Due to the possible β/μ variation (if related to Ancient Macedonian Шаблон:Lang, abaru, meaning oregano or marjoram) is probably of pre-Greek origin according to Robert Beekes.Шаблон:Sfn He also claims that any connection to Sanskrit maruva(ka) meaning the same is false.Шаблон:Sfn

Mythology

On the island of Cyprus, Amaracus was the royal perfumer in the court of King Cinyras, his father.Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Efn One day Amaracus fell by chance while carrying the ointments, thus creating a greater odor from the confusion of said ointments. Afterwards, he was turned into the amarakon herb (the marjoram), which was also said to be sweet, a plant sacred to the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite.[2]Шаблон:SfnШаблон:Sfn As the son of Cinyras, this would make Amaracus the brother of Smyrna, another mortal turned into an aromatic plant with connections to Aphrodite.Шаблон:Sfn

Culture

The ancient Greeks associated the marjoram with Aphrodite, as they believed she had created it.[3]Шаблон:Unreliable source In antiquity, the island of Cyprus, where the myth takes place and also a major cult center for Aphrodite, was noted for its large marjoram production; to this day, Cyprus still produces aromatic and therapeutic oils of marjoram.Шаблон:Sfn Marjoram was also utilised as a strong aphrodisiac, while it was also believed to cure snakebites, and both ancient Greeks and Romans adorned bridal wreaths with this herb.Шаблон:Sfn

See also

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Footnotes

Шаблон:Notelist

References

Шаблон:Reflist

Bibliography

Шаблон:Metamorphoses in Greco-Roman mythology

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Шаблон:Greek-myth-stub