Question
Here is the question : USED BY ANCIENT ETRUSCANS, WHICH BONE IS REFERRED TO AS THE “WISHBONE”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Furcula
- Femur
- Ulna
- Ilium
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
The ritual of making wishes on the wishbone (furcula) at Thanksgiving involves two people each grabbing a piece of the bone. It is said that whomever breaks off a larger chunk will have their wish fulfilled. Similar uses for the wishbone date back to the ancient Etruscans, while the term “wishbone” first appeared in print in a Baltimore Sun article from 1842.
The ancient Etruscans, an influential civilization that thrived in ancient Italy, had a unique tradition involving a bone known as the “furcula,” which is often referred to as the “wishbone.” The furcula, derived from the Latin term meaning “little fork,” was a bone found in the chest of birds, particularly in chickens and turkeys. This V-shaped bone, which connects the shoulder blades, held great significance for the Etruscans and was associated with the practice of divination and making wishes.
The Etruscans, known for their advanced cultural practices and beliefs, viewed the furcula as a sacred object with mystical properties. They believed that the furcula contained the bird’s life force and possessed the ability to grant wishes. The tradition involved two individuals grasping each end of the furcula and pulling it apart, with the belief that the person who ended up with the larger portion would have their wish granted.
This practice of “breaking the wishbone” was considered a form of divination, a way to gain insight into the future or seek guidance from the spiritual realm. The Etruscans believed that the birds, being creatures of the sky, had a direct connection to the gods and served as messengers between the mortal world and the divine. By engaging in this ritual, they sought to tap into this connection and seek favorable outcomes for their desires and aspirations.
The significance of the furcula and the act of breaking it extended beyond the Etruscans and found its way into other ancient cultures as well. It is believed that the Romans, who were heavily influenced by Etruscan civilization, adopted this tradition and carried it forward. Over time, this practice became associated with good luck, and it is likely the precursor to the modern-day tradition of breaking the wishbone that is still observed in some cultures.
The wishbone tradition has endured through the ages and has become a playful and lighthearted custom in many households today. Typically, it involves two individuals each taking hold of one end of the furcula, making a wish, and then pulling it apart. The person who ends up with the larger portion is believed to have their wish granted. It is often associated with celebratory occasions such as Thanksgiving, where the wishbone from a roasted turkey serves as the focal point of the ritual.
While the Etruscans attributed a spiritual significance to the furcula, modern interpretations of breaking the wishbone tend to focus more on luck and wish fulfillment rather than divination. It has become a fun and whimsical tradition, bringing families and friends together to participate in a shared moment of anticipation and hope. The practice reflects our innate desire to seek good fortune and to believe in the power of our aspirations.
the furcula, or wishbone, holds a fascinating place in ancient Etruscan culture. Used by the Etruscans as a means of divination and wish fulfillment, this bone from birds was believed to possess mystical properties. The act of breaking the wishbone symbolized a connection with the divine and served as a way to seek guidance and good luck. Although the original spiritual connotations may have evolved over time, the tradition of breaking the wishbone remains a cherished and playful custom that continues to captivate our imagination and foster a sense of hope and optimism.