Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1876-12-22
STRANGE THINGS.

nnd everywhere, it may be interesting
to note few Of them. Suppose we
inquire into the origin of certain
words, customs, etc. Take, for in
stance, the word humbug. It is cor
ruption of the word Hamburg. Att
one time during war on the continent
OF Europe, so many false reports were
fabricated at Hamburg that, finally,
when any one wished to show his dis
belief of statement, he would say,
"That came from Hamburg" or, "That
is Hamburg, or Humbug," which thus
came to imply unbelief or incredulity.
The word lady is derived from an
Anglo Saxon word, and signifies a
giver of bread. 1t originated from
the custom which prevailed among the
wealthy English people of early times
of distributing money and food to the
poor. Certain days were set apart for
this distribution, which were called
lady days, or gift days. The word
purse meant receptacle for arms,
and was not invented to mean simply
a place of safety for money.
Gloves were introduced into Eng
land in the tenth century, but were
only used by the wealthy people, and
were considered very valuable. AS
New Year gifts they were quite pop
ular, or sometimes "glove money" in
place of them. "Pin money" origi-
mated in the same manner. Pins were
so costly that money spent or laid
aside for them was called spin money"
and became so important that it grew
into the name of dover, which was
settled upon the lady at her marriage
Altar of roses was discovered by ac-
cident. The wife of an Eastern mo-
gul had small canal of rose water,
and as she was walking one day upon
its banks, she noticed thin film upon
the water, which proved to be the oil
made by the heat of the sun. The
Egyptians were very famous in the
manufacture of perfumes, and at the
i museum in Alnwick there is some oint-
ment preserved in an alabaster vase
which still has very powerful odor,
Notwithstanding it must be between
) two and three thousand years old
! The word hermit comes from Greek
word meaning desert place, because
deserts were generally sought in order
to avoid persecution.
Sandwiches were named from Lore
Sandwich. 1t is related of him, that
! one day in a gambling house, being
) very much fascinated by play, fol
: twenty-four hours he was unconsciou;
? of fatigue and hunger, when suddenly
: becoming aware of them, he ordered
some food to be brought him, which
e proved to be some beef and two slices
of bread Placing them together h
ate them. His friends gave them tn
e name of sandwiches, and in his me
mento he declared this act to be tn
e most important one of his administra
ton.
|, The origin of electing members b.
d ballots came from the Grecians. Whe
a member was to be elected, eac
r member threw a small crumb of brea
in basket, carried by servant o
t. his head, and whoever differed fattel
y ed the pellet at one side.
nj Fortnight comes from the Anglo
Saxons, who counted time by nigh
4 and means fourteen-night.
t. Merry pin means merry mood, an
y originated in the custom of dividing
vt tankards from each other by pegs G
pins, and obliging each one to drin
'e precisely the next pin. 1t proved t
n no mora than copoo of thom cou1d hoo