How Do You Spell ASHERA?

Pronunciation: [ˈaʃəɹə] (IPA)

"Ashera" is a Hebrew word that is spelled using the Latin alphabet as "Asherah". The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /əˈʃɛrə/. The word is used in the religious context to refer to a goddess in ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly in the worship of the Israelites. The Hebrew spelling of the word is אֲשֵׁרָה‎. The spelling of "Ashera" is important to correctly identify and refer to this goddess in academic and religious contexts.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ASHERA Meaning and Definition

  1. Ashera is a term that has multiple meanings and can be interpreted differently depending on the context. Historically, Ashera referred to a Canaanite goddess of fertility, nature, and love. She was often depicted as a motherly figure with multiple breasts, symbolizing her nurturing and life-giving qualities. As a divine entity, Ashera was worshipped alongside other deities in ancient Middle Eastern cultures.

    In a more contemporary context, Ashera can also be used as a personal or given name for individuals. It is sometimes used as a feminine given name, derived from the ancient goddess Ashera, to imbue a sense of strength, beauty, and connection to nature. Its usage as a name symbolizes reverence for the historical and mythological significance of Ashera.

    In addition, Ashera is also applied to a specific breed of hybrid domestic cats that were developed in the early 2000s. These cats were created by crossbreeding a domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat and a serval, resulting in a distinctive appearance with spotted markings and a wildcat-like appearance. The Ashera cats gained popularity due to their exotic appearance, but they have also faced controversy and criticism for their high price tags and questions surrounding their breeding practices.

    Overall, Ashera can refer to a goddess from ancient mythology, a personal given name, or a specific breed of hybrid domestic cats, depending on the context in which the term is used.

Etymology of ASHERA

The word "Ashera" originates from ancient Near Eastern mythology and is closely associated with the worship of the goddess Asherah. The etymology of the word itself can be traced back to the Semitic languages, particularly the Canaanite and Hebrew languages.

In Canaanite, the word "Asherah" likely derived from the root word "ăšr", which means "straight" or "upright". Some scholars also connect it to the Akkadian word "ašru", meaning "Ten", suggesting a connection to the Ten Commandments. However, this connection is debated among experts.

As the worship of Asherah and the goddess herself spread to different cultures, the name went through several variations and adaptations. In Hebrew, for example, the word became "Asherah" or "Asheroth".