Lion optional
We are having a jolly conversation about metalworking in the thread below. BJM says he used to work silver wire and Thracian “Herakles knot” arm bands were a popular item.
I have a new rule under lockdown. Any word or phrase I don’t understand, I immediately stop and look it up. There’s really no excuse not to now, when you can highlight, right click and search all in one swell foop.
Heracles knot is another word for reef knot (AKA square knot, Hercules knot, double knot or brotherhood knot). In jewelry, it is a symbol of love or friendship.
I don’t know how it’s associated with Heracles. I didn’t spend much time looking, though – it’s bath night!
A warning from the International Guild of Knot Tyers (yes, there is):
The International Guild of Knot Tyers warns that this knot should never be used to bend two ropes together. A proper bend knot, for instance a sheet bend or double fisherman’s knot, should be used instead. Knotting authority Clifford Ashley claimed that misused reef knots have caused more deaths and injuries than all other knots combined.
I woke up in a good mood today. No, it didn’t make any sense to me, either, but I held onto it as best I could by avoiding social media. Mostly.
Posted: January 20th, 2021 under art, history.
Comments: 9
Comments
Comment from DurnedYankee
Time: January 20, 2021, 10:33 pm
Good job Weasy.
I’ve discovered I can’t do the doom and gloom brigade any more.
It doesn’t get better if you’re going to get hit by the train when someone is screaming “we’re going to get hit by the train!”
As Doris Day said –
Kay Sarah Sarah
Comment from DurnedYankee
Time: January 20, 2021, 10:38 pm
I think your adopted country said it best,
“keep calm and carry on.”
Comment from Armybrat
Time: January 20, 2021, 11:40 pm
That metal work is just stunning! I spent the day cleaning the baseboard that we pulled from the 3rd bedroom when we installed the new flooring this past couple of days. And repairing the Sheetrock as I eliminated several cable chases and unused outlets. And taking down the shitty single shelf/ hanging rod (in an 8’ long closet!). And laying out the “over-the-closet” closet I’m going to work I’m going to do to take advantage of every square inch of storage I can find in a house with 10th ceilings. And then I floated in my pool for an hour or so. So today was a good day for me!
Comment from Pupster
Time: January 21, 2021, 1:03 am
I ate two pieces of string and they came out tied together.
I shit you knot.
Comment from BJM
Time: January 21, 2021, 2:08 am
@Stoaty I do the same…it’s also why I have a head stuffed full of mostly useless knowledge/archaic words.
So sayeth the Duck:
In ancient Greece, the “Herakles knot” was believed to be the knot form used by Herakles to tie the skin of the Nemean lion around his neck after he slayed the beast fulfilling the first of twelve labors that King Eurystheus gave him. Given this affiliation with the Greek hero known for his mighty strength and courage, this knot was generally regarded as a protective amulet. In addition, it was a fertility symbol, as Herakles had many children. Given this, it was often used to fasten bridal garments.”
Comment from Deborah HH
Time: January 21, 2021, 2:22 pm
@Armybrat—I am a little jealous. I used to love floating in the pool (that was two houses ago). Remember—pool noodles are not just for kids 🙂
We are now in our “retirement” home and have the room for a pool but JavaMan absolutelyfreakingrefuses to consider it. Though he’s willing to build me a viewing deck in the middle of the back yard so I can sleepout and stargaze to my heart’s content.
Comment from durnedyankee
Time: January 21, 2021, 5:02 pm
Camping out is awesome, even if you’re camping out behind a screen.
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: January 21, 2021, 9:15 pm
Thank you for that, BJM. I’m still pissed I can’t rate posts.
Comment from BJM
Time: January 21, 2021, 11:43 pm
@Deborah HH How about a big ole used clawfoot tub or stock watering trough/tub on the deck…you can float and stargaze!
Then there’s this for fitness!!! Yeah, he’s not going for that either.
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