Re: Odp: IE Lithuanian-Mediterranean connections

> From: Adriana Kamenetsky [mailto:adrianakusa@...]

> Sent:

Friday, March 03, 2000 2:26 AM

> To: cybalist@eGroups.com
> Subject:

[cybalist] Re: Odp: IE Lithuanian-Mediterranean connections

>
>
> Hello,
>
> I wander how amber

translates in Chinese since, in ancient times, the

> Chinese used to burn

amber for its fragrance during ceremonies.  I am sure

> they were

buying it from Russia.  And Russian paganism has strong roots in

>

Buddism. I think it should be translated as 'a stone burning

>

white(flame)'.

> AK

As for my translation of Russian kamen' bel-goriuch, a regular amber's periphrasis in folklore as well as in old written tradition, I would not insist on my translation, as to give the correct one I at least have to explain this construction, rather unusual even for Russian ear, to myself. But I cannot.

Both your statements are very interesting. Why are you sure the Chinese imported amber from Russia (and what is ancient times?) and what makes you think Russian paganism has strong roots in Buddism? No one can argue against strong Iranian influence, but Buddhism... Would you comment this?

Sergei