POTTER FIELD Meaning and
Definition
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Potter's field is a term that refers to a burial ground or cemetery where the remains of unidentified or unclaimed individuals are interred. It is also sometimes called a pauper's grave or a common grave. The term finds its origin in the Bible, more specifically in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is mentioned as a place purchased with the money returned by Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Jesus Christ. According to biblical tradition, this field was used to bury strangers or foreigners.
In modern usage, a potter's field typically refers to a burial site for those who lacked financial means or a social support system at the time of their death. Typically, these individuals are often homeless, destitute, or unidentified. It is common for local governments or charitable organizations to maintain and operate potter's fields.
Potter's fields are often marked with simple or unadorned markers, or in some cases, not marked at all. The anonymity of the individuals interred in these graves is a grim reminder of their marginalized or forgotten status in society. Potter's fields serve as a final resting place for those who would otherwise go unburied or be disposed of without any recognition.
While potter's fields have historical and religious significance, they continue to exist in various cultures and societies today as a means to provide a dignified burial for those who have fallen through the cracks of society or have nobody to claim their remains.
Common Misspellings for POTTER FIELD
- ootter field
- lotter field
- -otter field
- 0otter field
- pitter field
- pktter field
- pltter field
- pptter field
- p0tter field
- p9tter field
- porter field
- pofter field
- pogter field
- poyter field
- po6ter field
- po5ter field
- potrer field
- potfer field
- potger field
- potyer field
- potterfield
Etymology of POTTER FIELD
The term "Potter's field" originates from the biblical figure Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide. According to the New Testament, the priests used the blood money given to Judas to purchase a field to bury foreigners or those considered unworthy of a proper burial. This piece of land became known as "Aceldama", which means "Field of Blood".
Over time, "Aceldama" was associated with burial places for the poor, foreigners, and unidentified individuals. This concept of a burial ground for those without means or connections was later translated into various languages with terms resembling "potter's field". The term "potter" refers to someone who works with clay, shaping it into pottery, symbolizing the molding or shaping of the deceased in a burial plot. This evolution led to the term being used widely in English-speaking countries.
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