WHIRLING DERVISH Meaning and
Definition
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A "whirling dervish" refers to a member of the Mevlevi order, a Sufi Islamic religious group that originated in Turkey. The term specifically pertains to their distinctive mystical ritual known as the Sema.
In this religious practice, the dervishes engage in a mesmerizing dance characterized by continuous spinning, often to the accompaniment of sacred music and poetry. Embodying spirituality and devotion, the dance aims to induce a trance-like state, allowing the dervishes to experience a deep connection with God and achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The term "whirling dervish" is often used metaphorically to describe someone in a state of intense enthusiasm or uncontrollable movement. It signifies an individual or situation that exhibits rapid, swirling energy and an almost frenzied activity.
The image of a whirling dervish is often associated with intense focus and commitment to a goal or cause. It connotes a relentless pursuit or passionate dedication to a particular endeavor. It evokes a sense of perpetual movement and a release of personal concerns as the dervish spins, symbolizing a transcendence of worldly distractions and a complete surrender to a higher spiritual power.
In summary, a "whirling dervish" represents both a member of the Mevlevi order and their distinctive spinning dance, as well as a metaphorical entity characterized by intense enthusiasm, frenetic energy, and unwavering devotion to a cause.
Common Misspellings for WHIRLING DERVISH
- qhirling dervish
- ahirling dervish
- shirling dervish
- ehirling dervish
- 3hirling dervish
- 2hirling dervish
- wgirling dervish
- wbirling dervish
- wnirling dervish
- wjirling dervish
- wuirling dervish
- wyirling dervish
- whurling dervish
- whjrling dervish
- whkrling dervish
- whorling dervish
- wh9rling dervish
- wh8rling dervish
- whieling dervish
Etymology of WHIRLING DERVISH
The term "whirling dervish" refers to a specific mystical dance ritual performed by practitioners of the Mevlevi Order, also known as the Sufi Order of Mevlana. The word "dervish" is derived from the Persian word "darvīsh" (درویش), which means "beggar" or "poor one". It is related to the Arabic word "darbāsh" (درباش), which also means "beggar".
The practice of whirling is an integral part of the spiritual ceremony called the Sema, which is performed by the dervishes to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy and oneness with God. The spinning motion symbolizes a cosmic journey and represents the rotation of the planets and the whirling of atoms. It is believed to facilitate a spiritual connection and transcendence.
