What is this little relic?

thrillathahunt

Silver Member
Jul 24, 2006
4,591
953
TEXAS
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting

Attachments

  • 100_3900.JPG
    100_3900.JPG
    24.6 KB · Views: 773
  • 100_3901.JPG
    100_3901.JPG
    22.6 KB · Views: 776
I've been wondering why you US call things like this a Relic?

Below from Wikipedia:

A relic is an object or a personal item of religious significance. Relic is also the term for something that has survived the passage of time, especially an object or custom whose original culture has disappeared, but also an object cherished for historical or memorial value (such as a keepsake or heirloom).

Our closest parallel as we only use relic when referring to things like religious Icon's, is Artifact/artefact (or the made up word partifact meaning a broken piece). However, we still wouldn't use this term for that bottle top thing.

Can you explain to a dumb Brit?
 

Upvote 0
CRUSADER said:
I've been wondering why you US call things like this a Relic?

Below from Wikipedia:

A relic is an object or a personal item of religious significance. Relic is also the term for something that has survived the passage of time, especially an object or custom whose original culture has disappeared, but also an object cherished for historical or memorial value (such as a keepsake or heirloom).

Our closest parallel as we only use relic when referring to things like religious Icon's, is Artifact/artefact (or the made up word partifact meaning a broken piece). However, we still wouldn't use this term for that bottle top thing.

Can you explain to a dumb Brit?
I think a 50 year old compass may qualify here as a relic. :D Ill have to research the word. In this country an automobile over 20 years old is officially an antique.. ;D

I looked up the word and it appears you are correct Crusader. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relic
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relic

I think "artifact" would have been more appropriate.
 

Upvote 0
One of the definitions from Latin is - reliquiue or reliquia "to leave behind"

The term relic has many applications.
 

Upvote 0
thrillathahunt said:
One of the definitions from Latin is - reliquiue or reliquia "to leave behind"

The term relic has many applications.
I changed my mind; relic is appropriate. :icon_thumright: It was in my own link relic definition: "a trace of some past" or a "remnant left after decay" http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relic

3 : a survivor or remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance
4 : a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief
 

Upvote 0

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top