Dervish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dervish
[หdษหrvษชส ]
Definition
spiritual dancer
A dervish is a member of a Sufi Muslim religious order known for their ecstatic and often trance-like rituals. They are recognized for their whirling dance, which is a form of meditation and devotion. Dervishes seek spiritual closeness through acts of transcendence and are often associated with the pursuit of spiritual poverty.
Synonyms
mystic, sufi, whirling dervish.
Examples of usage
- The dervish twirled gracefully during the ceremony.
- Many visitors attended the festival to witness the dervish performances.
- She felt a deep connection to the universe while watching the dervishes dance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In the Sufi tradition, 'dervish' refers to those who seek spiritual closeness to God through practices like dance, music, and poetry.
- The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, part of the Mevlevi order, perform a famous dance called 'Sema' to connect with the divine.
Literature
- Dervishes are often featured in Middle Eastern literature as symbols of divine madness or ecstasy, celebrating the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
- In Rumi's poetry, dervishes represent seekers of truth and love, illustrating the importance of the inner journey.
Pop Culture
- Dervishes have appeared in various films and books, often portrayed as mystical figures embodying grace and spirituality.
- The concept of dervish dances has inspired contemporary dance and performance art, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modernity.
Psychology
- The act of spinning in dervish dances can create a trance-like state, helping participants to achieve deeper introspection and a sense of unity with the universe.
- This practice can function as a form of meditation, promoting mental health and emotional balance through physical expression.
Origin of 'dervish'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'dervish' comes from Persian, originally meaning 'beggar' or 'one who is poor', reflecting their lifestyle.
- It's related to the Arabic word 'darwฤซsh', denoting someone who renounces worldly things for a spiritual life.
The term 'dervish' comes from the Persian word 'darvฤซsh,' which means 'poor' or 'needy.' This reflects the spiritual philosophy of Sufism, where dervishes often renounce worldly possessions to achieve a closer connection to the divine. The practice of whirling among Sufi dervishes, particularly those of the Mevlevi order founded by the poet Rumi in the 13th century, symbolizes the soul's ascent toward God. Historically, dervishes have played important roles in various cultures as spiritual leaders and performers. Their rituals not only serve as expressions of faith but also foster community and social unity. The image of the whirling dervish has become an iconic representation of spiritual devotion, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with individuals seeking deeper meaning in life.