The Etymology of Love

                 I love to study the Eytomology of words.  I always loved to study the meaning behind words and know the history of the words behind the language.  It is quite interesting to learn about the history of words.  It adds to one's knowledge, enriching one's vocabulary on a much deeper level.  One of my favourite words in the English language is the word 'love'.   The word 'love' originates from the old English word 'lufu', meaning to love.  The term 'love bird' was first coined in the Sixteenth century to describe a certain West African parrot.  The term was used because of the way these parrots mated with one another.  It wasn't until much later....until 1911, to be precise, that the modern meaning of the term 'love bird' came to imply the love between two lovers.

              The word 'amour' comes from the old French word amorem, meaning to love.  The word paramour caught on in the 13th Century in france to describe an illicit or clandenstine type of love.
The word 'minion' is a term applied to a servant or mistress; one who pleases another.  The word 'minion' is of Celtic origin.  I used this word in my Novel, the Curse of Anna Greene when her mother gave birth to the girl following her mother's rape.  Anastasia's mother called the infant the Devil's minion for in her eyes that was what she was....the Devil's daughter and mistress...born out of a diobolical rape and sodomy; fathered by the Devil himself.

                I've used the word 'paramour' in my poem,  'Tea Cozy'


                                            Tea Cozy

A crocheted table cloth was spread
Over a finely walnut-colored table.
The cloth sparkled with gilded thread.


On the Stove a lovely song
Penetrated the kitchen with its' melody
The water danced in rhythm as it gaily sung along


Miss Mary set the cups and saucers ceremoniously
Taking dire care
To match the china for this Special Afternoon Ceremony


Silence did a great job of cutting the Tea cakes and pastries,
And the sugar bowl and milk pitcher sat quietly in the midst
While The Teapot bowed a timid bow at the Grand Tea Cake from Sal's Bakery


At half past four the Master of the house came punctually
With a bouquet of roses in hand
And a present for the Mistress Mary


Taking a seat, She, with outstretched hands did pour
A cup of hot freshly brewed tea
and served fresh cake and crumpets to her paramour.

© Mary Aris, All rights reserved