Pentagram Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pentagram

[หˆpษ›ntษ™ษกrรฆm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

symbol, geometry, magic

A pentagram is a five-pointed star formed by extending the sides of a regular pentagon. It is commonly associated with various mystical and occult traditions, often symbolizing the elements or the idea of protection. In contemporary usage, the pentagram can represent different beliefs, ranging from paganism to esotericism.

Synonyms

five-pointed star, pentacle.

Examples of usage

  • The witch wore a necklace with a pentagram pendant.
  • In the ritual, they used a pentagram drawn on the ground.
  • The pentagram has been a symbol of faith for many practitioners.
  • He studied the significance of the pentagram in ancient cultures.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The shape dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was used in clay tablets and had various meanings related to the goddess Inanna.
  • In ancient Greece, it represented health and was related to the Pythagoreanism philosophy, symbolizing harmony and balance.

Cultural Significance

  • In some modern pagan traditions, the pentagram often represents the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
  • Islamic art occasionally features the five-pointed star in geometric patterns, associated with divine creation and nature.

Symbolism in Art

  • The pentagram appears frequently in art and literature, symbolizing protection or the interplay of good and evil.
  • In various artworks, it has been used to showcase human connection with natural and cosmic forces.

Modern Usage

  • Contemporary witchcraft often employs the pentagram as a symbol of spirituality and connection to the earth.
  • The star is frequently used in pop culture, appearing in movies, music, and fashion, often associated with mysticism.

Scientific Perspective

  • In mathematics, a pentagram can represent a five-pointed star polygon that has interesting properties related to angles and symmetry.
  • Researchers in psychology have studied symbols like the pentagram to understand their impact on cultural identity and belief systems.

Origin of 'pentagram'

The word 'pentagram' comes from the Greek 'pentagrammon', where 'penta-' means five and 'gramma' means something written or drawn. The symbol itself dates back to ancient civilizations, including Babylonia and Greece, where it was used in various mathematical and religious contexts. In the 16th century, it gained prominence within the realm of occultism, associated with protection against evil spirits. The pentagram has also been linked to the idea of the five elements: earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. By the 19th century, it became a prominent symbol in various esoteric and modern neopagan practices, reflecting a broad range of spiritual beliefs and practices, often serving as a sign of faith and magical intentions.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,303, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.