Sometimes we hear people talk about someone who is excessively praises the other: "Why, it's solid praises!"This expression is quite common, but how many know that it has come to us from the Greek language?And once it had a very different meaning than it is now, and was used not in an ironic sense.Let's get acquainted with the history of this phraseologism, and how it has changed over time understanding.
What does "eulogy" in Greek?
Long ago the word meant lofty choral songs of praise and even dances performed in honor of the ancient god of wine, Dionysus.Since these festivals during the grape harvest was dedicated to nature and its fertility, they were accompanied by so-called orgies - raspivaniem wine feasts and even, as some authors claim, promiscuous sexual relations participants.But was it so actually, it is not known.We only know that the admirers of Dionysian madness experienced during sacred dances, and people sang hymns while that is dedicated to him.
little history
is believed that the earliest praises - a choral hymns island of Delos.However, many of poetic passages, which have reached us, belong to the Athenians.It is up to them went the phrase "sing praises".The meaning of this phrase in Athens was very simple.About fifty men and boys, disguised as satyrs, standing in a circle and sang hymns to the accompaniment of Dionysus theater professional choir, and sometimes some musical instruments.Each choir led by the so-called "luminary".Later, in ancient Greece it was even developed criteria for what a eulogy as a musical genre.First of all, the choral song lyrics must have a special rhythm, be antistroficheskim.It should be accompanied by an accompaniment aulos, and even on the Phrygian style.In addition, it requires a special, very solemn and pompous style.Between choruses performing praises for ancient celebrations such as Dionysus and Lenayya.
Music and Literature
Thus, the most ancient hymns that are so called, were popular.But later, they acquired an individual character.The earliest eulogy was obviously created by the poet Archilochus in honor of "God Dionysos", as evidenced by the text of VII century BC.However, Herodotus attributes the palm certain Arion of Lesbos.So, praises - is a special kind of Greek music and literature, close to what is meant by a hymn and eulogy.But the word has other meanings.Two centuries after the poet Arion Vakhilida even brought the genre to a dramatic dialogue, the executable for choral singing.He became famous pretentious lines and famous poet Pindar.The most widespread genre dithyramb was in the fifth century BC.It was headed by poets so-called "new music".The best-known representatives of this trend were Timothy Miletus, and Filokset Melanippid Keeter off the island.A hundred years later the genre began to decline, and then completely lost its popularity, although competition between choirs sang praises continued until the conquest of Greece by Rome.
What philosophers say?
Although the word was popular in antiquity, its origin is not Greek.Praises - that, apparently, was one of the epithets of the ancient god of wine.Philosopher Plato in the dialogue "Laws" discusses the various values of musical genres.There, he says this: "I think it is called the birth of Dionysus dithyramb."In his famous "Republic", which dates from the fourth century BC, Plato gives another interpretation of the word "eulogy."The meaning of this term in poetry, he understands how exceptional the way the author of poetic expression, bordering on ecstasy.Plutarch speaks of the praises, as a violent speech, full of enthusiasm.He contrasts the hymns written in this style, more peaceful and harmonious praise of Apollo.Aristotle believes that this is the basis and source of Greek tragedy.We have already mentioned our poet Vahilida so called dialogue between the singer and the chorus in the tragedy.Then the chorus was replaced by another actor.
in recent history
tried to return to Europe during the Renaissance praises.Then there were a variety of laudatory ode to the princes of the Church and secular politicians.But in those days, at this poetic genre looked critically and sarcastically.Especially popular are the praises in the Baroque era, when the authors tried to revive the ancient festival.The greatest success of this musical-poetic genre gained in Italy and especially in Germany, where they were carried away so the "Sturm und Drang" such as Franz Schiller.Composer Franz Schubert also wrote the song lyrics on the pathos of this style.And Friedrich Nietzsche even tried to create something similar to the original "Bacchus" praises, though with a touch of satire.
modern meaning phraseologism
original meaning of the word has from time to time embodied by some modern artists, such, for example, Igor Stravinsky.However, in most cases, these words have acquired a pronounced sense of sarcastic: "Perhaps I will sing praises to you still?" Idiom this has come to mean excessive and undue praise, slaver.In a sense, this is understandable, because this literary-musical genre intended for the ecstatic praise of the gods.And when, with the light hand of the Renaissance, began to apply for the praise of politicians and all those in power, it is easy to do something unpleasant, pretentious and contrived.After all, even the Scriptures say that God should be given one, and "Caesar" - another.And when politicians, stars and different beau monde sing the praises of relying heavenly creatures, is not straightforward brute force?Or maybe even blasphemous.So most people do not perceive the praises or despise them as blatant flattery.Especially as it is usually used in order to please the right person and get their share of the benefits.
