Re: [tied] Re: Pita [was *(H-)p/bh[-r/l-] again again]

From: Daniel Baum
Message: 29616
Date: 2004-01-15

>But perhaps this 'pita' thing is related to Jewish 'fita' and their
>wheat festival 'shavout' or Pentecost (there is again 'seven' root in
>this word).
>Perhaps 'fita/pita' are related to Arabic 'fitr' (Islamic Lent) and
>also to so many roots involving 'stone', 'seed', 'wheat', 'flour',
>seven. And yes of course 'bread'.

I'm afraid you've lost me completely there. What's Jewish "fita", and what
does seven have to do with anything? There is no "seven" in Pentecost, which
is Greek for fifty. "fitr" as in 'Id al-fitr', means "to break a fast" from
a root meaning "to split, break". See
http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S230.html.

Although the word "pita" is used in Hebrew, I am certain it didn't originate
there. I was under the impression that the word originated in Greek, but I
can't check this till I go to the university on Tuesday.


Daniel