The term “north” has its roots in the Old High German word “nord,” which can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European unit *ner-. This ancient word had a fascinating meaning, as it referred to both the concept of “left” and “below.” This connection between north and left can be explained when we consider the perspective of facing the rising sun.
In many cultures, including the Germanic tribes of ancient Europe, the rising sun was seen as a significant reference point. When facing the east, the direction of the rising sun, the left side would be to the north. This association likely arose from the observation that the sun appeared to move from left to right across the sky.
Furthermore, the connection between north and “below” is also intriguing. In this context, “below” refers to the position of the sun in relation to the observer. When facing the rising sun in the east, the north would be on the left side, which is also slightly lower in terms of the sun’s position. Therefore, the word “north” encompasses both the notions of left and below, as observed from this perspective.
It is interesting to note that the other cardinal directions also have a similar relationship to the sun’s position. For example, the word “east” is derived from the Old High German word “ost,” which is related to the Proto-Indo-European unit *aus-, meaning “to shine.” This connection reflects the direction where the sun rises, shining its light upon the world.
Similarly, the word “south” is connected to the Old English word “sūþ,” which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *sunthaz. This term is related to the Proto-Indo-European unit *su(n)to-, meaning “sun” or “sunlight.” It is associated with the direction opposite to the north, where the sun appears to be at its highest point during the day.
Lastly, the word “west” is derived from the Old English word “west,” which is related to the Proto-Germanic word *westrōn. This term is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European unit *wes-, meaning “evening” or “night.” West is the direction where the sun sets, marking the end of the day and the transition into the night.
The word “north” is called so because of its connection to the Old High German word “nord” and the Proto-Indo-European unit *ner-. This term encompasses the notions of left and below when facing the rising sun. The other cardinal directions also have similar associations with the sun’s position, further emphasizing the relationship between language, culture, and the natural world.