"Unraveling the Origins of '쥐' (Jwi): Tracing the Etymology" - The origin of Korean word "쥐" (jwi)(meaning mouse) [Breif investigation]

"Unraveling the Origins of '쥐' (Jwi): Tracing the Etymology"

- The origin of Korean word "쥐" (jwi)(meaning mouse) [Breif investigation]

"Discover the Fascinating Origins of '쥐' (Jwi): Unveiling the Enigmatic Etymology behind the Word. Join us on a captivating journey through history and linguistics to unravel the mysteries of '쥐' and its cultural significance. Dive into the depths of language evolution and trace the roots of this intriguing term. Embark on an enlightening exploration today!"

Have you ever wondered about the origins of words and how they came to be? Language is a fascinating window into a culture's history, and one word that exemplifies this is "쥐" (jwi) in Korean. The Korean word "쥐" (jwi) is pronounced as [tɕɥi], this word refers to the small, nimble creature we know as a "mouse" in English.

In this captivating journey, we embark on a quest to trace the etymology of "쥐" and uncover its hidden roots. As we delve into the depths of history, we'll discover intriguing connections and linguistic transformations.

To fully comprehend the word "쥐," we'll explore its relationship with another Korean term: "쭈구리다" (jju-gu-ri-da), meaning "to gnaw." By analyzing the similarities between the two words, we'll uncover a shared heritage that sheds light on the mouse's role in Korean society.

Behind the Language: Unveiling the Origins and Meaning of '쥐' (Jwi)

To understand the true essence of "쥐" (jwi), we must explore its linguistic roots. Like many words, "쥐" (jwi) has evolved over time, reflecting the ever-changing nature of language. In Old Korean, the word was written as "지" (ji) and later transformed into "쥐" (jwi). This transformation can be attributed to the phonetic changes that occurred over centuries.

Beyond its phonetic evolution, "쥐" (jwi) has also influenced other words in the Korean language. One such example is the verb "쭈구리다" (jju-gu-ri-da), which means to hoard or gather things secretly. This verb is derived from the behavior of mice, known for their inclination to store food in hidden places. Through the metaphorical extension of the mouse's actions, "쭈구리다" (jju-gu-ri-da) captures the essence of sneaky accumulation.

As you know, originally the word for "mouse" in Old Korean was written as "지" (ji). However, over centuries, it transformed into the current form, "쥐" (jwi), due to phonetic changes. Interestingly, the character "생" (pronounced "saeng"), meaning ginger, played a role in this evolution. The word for ginger, "생강" (saenggang), shares a similar shape and size with the word for "생쥐" (saengjwi). In fact, "생쥐" (saengjwi), meaning ginger mouse, has contributed to the modern term "생쥐" (saengjwi), used to describe a mouse today. The existence of "생쥐" (saengjwi) alongside "쥐" (jwi) highlights the traces of language evolution still present in the Korean language.

"생"(pronounced "saeng") meaning ginger is a Chinese character, not pure Korean, and uses saeng(生)(meaning “life”) and saeng(薑)(shortern meaning of “ginger”). The first word of the mouse comes from ginger. If you look closely, you can see that "생쥐" (meaning mice) and "생강"(meaning ginger) are similar in shape as well as in size.

The "생강쥐" has become the "생쥐" of today. Another expression of a mouse is a "새앙쥐." It is still used interchangeably, and there are still traces of language evolution.

Mice are often cited in proverbs(in Korean "속담") because they are petted. A typical example is the saying, "There's nothing to eat for mice."(in Korean "생쥐 볼가심할 것도 없다"). As mentioned earlier, mice are very small animals. So, it means that the mouse has nothing to eat("볼가심할 것도 없다"). This saying is indicative of great poverty.

The Representation and Symbolism of a Mouse: Insights from Various Cultures

Throughout history, mice have held significant symbolic meanings in different cultures around the world. From their association with spirituality and foresight to their portrayal as omens and even as representations of impurity, the symbolism of mice is diverse and intriguing. In this section, we explore the representation and symbol of a mouse, shedding light on its multifaceted significance across various cultural and religious contexts.

In the realm of spirituality, mice have often been associated with special knowledge and foresight. According to the shamanic song Changsega(창세가), a mouse played a vital role in helping Maitreya(ver Koreanized Budda), a spiritual being, discover the secrets of water and fire. This tale emphasizes the close bond between mice and humans, with the mouse emerging as a wise and spiritual guide.

Furthermore, mice are revered as spiritual beings capable of predicting the future. In ancient Korean folklore, rats were believed to exemplify and foretell the fortunes of ships and agricultural endeavors, making them subjects of religious worship. Legends from Jeollanam-do and Hwanghae-do depict various rituals and shrines dedicated to the worship of rat gods, showcasing the profound reverence for these creatures.

Artistic and religious representations of mice are abundant, showcasing their symbolism in diverse ways. The stone pillar in front of Haeinsa Temple(해인사) in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, depicts a rising white mouse and a falling black mouse. This symbolic imagery represents the principle of karma and serves as a reminder of the cyclic nature of existence. Similarly, rat statues on the beams of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju emphasize the impermanence of human life, urging monks to persistently practice Buddhism.

Religious expression

In Buddhism, the white and black mice are likened to symbols of time, gradually eroding away human life. In Confucian society, the mouse has been viewed as a negative animal, associated with disloyalty and exploitation. In Christianity, rats are often compared to demons and evil, while Hinduism interprets them as thoughtful animals representing predictions and success through continuous effort. These varying interpretations reflect the nuanced perspectives on the symbolism of mice across different faiths.

The symbolic significance of mice is also evident in biblical narratives. In Leviticus 11:29, the rat is classified as an unclean animal according to Old Testament laws. This categorization places the mouse among creeping things deemed impure.

Moreover, in 1 Samuel 6:4-5, the Philistines sought to make amends for their actions and appease the God of Israel. As a part of their act of contrition, they presented five golden mice and five golden bells as a trespass offering. The golden mice represented the rats that had brought harm to their land, signifying the acknowledgment of their transgressions and the glorification of the God of Israel.

Foreign Mouse Words

Interestingly, the word for "mouse" varies across different languages. In Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, Swahili, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Turkish, Polish, Hungarian, Greek, Czech, Romanian, Bulgarian, Vietnamese, and Indonesian, the word for "mouse." This demonstrates the diverse linguistic landscape and cultural nuances associated with the concept of a mouse.

ex.

In Spanish, the word for "mouse" is "ratón."

In French, the word for "mouse" is "souris."

In German, the word for "mouse" is "Maus."

In Italian, the word for "mouse" is "topo."

In Portuguese, the word for "mouse" is "rato."

In Russian, the word for "mouse" is "мышь" (pronounced "mysh'").

In Japanese, the word for "mouse" is "ネズミ" (pronounced "nezumi").

In Mandarin Chinese, the word for "mouse" is "老鼠" (pronounced "lǎoshǔ").

In Korean, the word for "mouse" is "쥐" (pronounced "jwi").

In Arabic, the word for "mouse" is "فأر" (pronounced "fa'r").

In Hindi, the word for "mouse" is "चूहा" (pronounced "chooha").

In Swahili, the word for "mouse" is "panya."

In Dutch, the word for "mouse" is "muis."

In Swedish, the word for "mouse" is "mus."

In Norwegian, the word for "mouse" is "mus."

In Danish, the word for "mouse" is "mus."

In Finnish, the word for "mouse" is "hiiri."

In Turkish, the word for "mouse" is "fare."

In Polish, the word for "mouse" is "mysz."

In Hungarian, the word for "mouse" is "egér."

In Greek, the word for "mouse" is "ποντίκι" (pronounced "pontíki").

In Czech, the word for "mouse" is "myš."

In Romanian, the word for "mouse" is "șoarece."

In Bulgarian, the word for "mouse" is "мишка" (pronounced "mishka").

In Vietnamese, the word for "mouse" is "chuột."

In Indonesian, the word for "mouse" is "tikus."

[1] "‘생쥐’ 의 어원". 중부메일(www.jbnews.com). Retrieved 2003-12-19.

[2] "쥐의 표상과 상징 [연재: 성서와 문학]우리 문화, 그리고 성서의 '쥐' 이야기". 에큐메니안(www.ecumenian.com). Retrieved 2010-05-09. 

- According to Changsega, a shamanic song sung in "Saneut" in Hamgyeong-do, Maitreya finally knew how to use water and fire by asking a mouse after organizing the order of the universe, and later prepared men and women with gold and silver insects. It is interesting that a mouse with a destiny that is bound to be close to humans was not only born before humans, but also emerged as a spiritual being who knows the source of water and fire.
In addition, rats have long been accepted as spirits that exemplify or inform the accidents of ships as dreams as well as the wind and chest of farming and human blessings. Because of the foresight of these mice, they are also subject to religious worship. The coastal islands of Jeollanam-do (Bigeumdo Wolpo-ri Party, Uido Jinri, Daechon-ri, Gyeonggyeong-ri, and Seosouido Party) and the legend of Seodo Shrine in Seoheungdang, Hwanghae-do (a monk turned into a white mouse and died in dark blood), are representative places to serve the rat god.  
 According to the fifth year of King Hyegong of the Silla Bon period of "Samguk Sagi," "There is an unexpected movement of 8,000 rats from Chiakhyeon, and it does not snow that year," indicating that rats are animals that predict future history. Several animals appear in the story of "Shoot Geomungap" in Volume 1 of "Samguk Yusa," and among them, crows and mice work to guide people, but at the same time serve as troubleshooters for Haewon.
The stone pillar in front of Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Gyeongsangnam-do, is engraved with a rising white mouse and a falling black mouse, symbolically expressing the principle of karma in the Buddhist temple for the edification of the people. Here, the white mouse symbolizes 'day', and the black mouse symbolizes 'night', or time. The two mice on the Seunggasa Bridge in Seoul are engraved under and above the rice kiln, and the rat statues on the beams at Bulguksa Temple's Buddhist sanctuary in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, are also expressive, so humans are finite, so it must be a sculpture to teach monks to practice Buddhism without a break.
In Buddhism's 『아함경』, white mice and black mice that gnaw away at human life are likened to symbols of time. In a Confucian society that values royalism as an ideal, the mouse is a negative animal compared to a disloyal and exploitative person. In Christianity, rats are also compared to demons, Satan, voracious greed, and evil, while in Hinduism, rats are interpreted as thoughtful animals and animals that represent predictions. It appears as an animal pulling the cart of Ganesha (the conqueror of adversity), the god of wisdom, with the face of an elephant, in the sense of success through constant effort.
In Leviticus 11:29, the rat is classified as one of the unclean animals. It is listed among the creeping things that are considered impure according to the Old Testament laws.
In 1 Samuel 6:4-5, the Philistines are seeking to make amends for their actions and appease the God of Israel. They offer five golden mice and five golden bells as a trespass offering. These golden mice represent the rats that have brought harm to their land. The intention behind creating these golden images was to acknowledge the damage caused and give glory to the God of Israel.
The rats, in this context, symbolize the harmful and destructive forces that have plagued the land. By creating golden images of rats, the Philistines aimed to represent and acknowledge the presence of these harmful forces as a means of seeking forgiveness.
Overall, in these passages, the rat is portrayed as a symbol of various elements, including divinity (as it is represented through the golden images), foresight (acknowledging the damage caused), fertility (as the rats were causing harm to the land), food (possibly as a representation of the plague they brought), diligence (through their harmful actions), evil and injustice (as they caused harm), disaster (the damage they inflicted), plunderer (bringing destruction to the land), and treacherous trust (as the Philistines sought forgiveness and appeasement). - 

[3] Archived from Wikipedia "Mouse," (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouse), Retrieved 2023-05-05.

[4] 삼국사기(Samguk-Sagi)

[5] 삼국유사(Samguk-Yusa) 

[+] Additional article : (추가자료) "Unraveling the Origins of '쥐' (Jwi)

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