Posted by Eric Prothero on November 1, 2000 at 17:25:25:
In Reply to: Just a little useless info on the word 'lunatic' posted by Oddjob on November 1, 2000 at 14:24:36:
Lunatic is the name that was ascribed to various peoples that apply mystical signifigance to the moon. Wiccan's are a madern example. The word has taken on a negative conotation because of...ah hell I won't get into how Christians change every thing to fit their squewed views. At any rate at one point it calling someone a Lunatic was much like calling a person a Democrat or Republican. One side doesn't like the other but n biggie to be called one or the other. There is absolutely unequivicably zero zilch nil nadda none non yada yada yada and so one any spike in crime due to a full moon. The FBI doesn't report this, jails don't pack up during them dogs don't howl louder, crickets keep chirping and so on. Their is no difference between a full moon and a new moon save that the full moon reflects more light. (bad for burglars yes?) When people go out and howl at a full moon or mark their calendars on friday the thirteenth they are giveing into their friendly neighborhood brain wash. Anything that has been ascribed as good by a Paegan religion is vilified by Christianity. Ever wonder about this... Bah I can see where this is going to end up. I'm a Psuedo-pagan so I get a little pissy when people get on this subject. I'm not trying to be a jerk so I'm sorry if I'm coming across as one. :) Pro
Satan = Satyr (Goatee, cloven hooves, very atractive to women, symbol of lust and base desires..wich wasn't a bad thing.)
Devil = Deva
Pagan = Greek for country or local.
Hell = Hel
The saying go to hell most likely has it's roots in Scandanavia or with ancient Celts. Warriors dying in battle went to Valhala (As we all know I know just making a point)But those that died in their sleep went to see Hel. Not neccesarily a dishonorabl trhing but damn sure ignoble hence the Viciousness of the saying.
Hell even the concept of Hell isn't anything new.
FTA