Dervish: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'dervish' comes from Persian, originally meaning 'beggar' or 'one who is poor', reflecting their lifestyle.
• It's related to the Arabic word 'darwīsh', denoting someone who renounces worldly things for a spiritual life.

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.

This word's position of #30,713 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 30710 plaiting
• 30711 fecund
• 30712 prostituted
• 30713 dervish
• 30714 penning
• 30715 skated
• 30716 expatiate
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