Bestrew: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'bestreowan,' which means 'to strew or scatter about.'
• It combines the prefix 'be-' meaning 'around', and 'strewn,' showing the act of spreading something widely.
• The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, illustrating its long-standing presence in the language.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's works, the term appears in various contexts, often conveying a sense of chaos or abundance.
• Poets often use the word to evoke images of nature or romance, such as scattering flowers to represent love or grief.
• Bestrew often illustrates scenes of celebration or mourning, emphasizing emotional landscapes through physical actions.

Historical Usage

• It was commonly used in the 1600s when people would bestrew their paths with flowers as a sign of respect during celebrations.
• In medieval times, it was also common to bestrew homes with herbs and flowers to ward off bad spirits or to promote good health.
• The act of bestrewing was often connected to festivals, where it symbolized abundance and joy.

Art and Symbolism

• Bestrewed images often symbolize hope or abundance in artworks, especially in floral arrangements or nature scenes.
• In modern art, scattering objects is used as a technique to create dynamic compositions, inviting viewers to explore the space.
• Symbolically, the act of bestrewing can represent the dispersal of ideas or emotions, illustrating how feelings spread within a community.

Cultural Practices

• In certain cultures, it's a tradition to bestrew the paths of wedding couples with flower petals, representing love and good fortune.
• Some festivals involve bestrewing rice or grains to bless homes or newlyweds, a practice seen across various cultures.
• Bestrewed decorations are often used during spring festivals to symbolize new beginnings as nature awakens.