Manna: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term comes from the Bible, where it describes miraculous food given to the Israelites in the desert.
• It is thought that 'manna' may have originated from the Hebrew word 'mān', which means 'What is it?'.
• Some historical references suggest that it could have been a type of resin from trees that locals collected.

Religious Significance

• In Christianity, manna symbolizes divine providence and the idea of God providing for human needs.
• Many Jewish traditions celebrate the giving of manna during the holiday of Passover, linking it to freedom and sustenance.

Literature

• In literary contexts, the term is often used metaphorically to describe any unexpected blessing or gift.
• Famous works, such as 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Dostoevsky, reference it as a source of crisis and wonder.

Modern Usage

• Today, 'manna' often refers to serendipitous moments, such as luck, fortune, or unexpected good outcomes.
• It’s commonly employed in various motivational speeches and self-help literature as a metaphor for life's blessings.

Culinary Context

• In certain cultures, recipes incorporate ingredients named 'manna', symbolizing nourishment and blessing.
• Some natural foods are dubbed 'manna' due to their life-sustaining properties, like acorns or wild grains.

Positioned at #21,357, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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