Abracadabra
A commonly used phrase by stage magicians, Abracadabra has an interesting history and etymology.
History of the word Abracadabra
In ancient times, the word has used seriously as a incantation to protect against disease and cure ailments.
The oldest record of the word is from the 2nd Century A.D. It was mentioned in a poem called "De Medicina Praecepta" by Serenus Sammonicus, who was the physician to the Roman Emperor Caracalla.
Serenus Sammonicus prescribed that a patient wear an amulet with the word "Abaracadbra" in the form of an inverted cone (Fig. A), which was said to diminish the power of the disease over the patient.
Etymology
There are many theories and arguments about how the word Abracadbra came to be and it's original meaning. Here are some of the more plausible explanations:
- From the Aramaic language "avra kedabra" -- translated means "I will create as I speak".
- The word come from the Hebrew Ha-b'rakah (ha-brachah) translated as "the blessing" or "the sacred name".
- Another theory says that the word comes from the Aramaic "abhadda kedhabhra", translated to "disappear like this word'. Which seems to coincide with it's use by Serenus Sammonicus and his prescribed amulet for curing illness.
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