3-3 护身符和象征：奠基石

Charms and Symbols

 

Cornerstone¹   Even buildings made of steel and glass usually have a cornerstone, often engraved¹ with the date construction began. It is a talisman²² intended to bring luck not only during construction, but throughout the life of the building. The custom has its origins in prehistoric³ times, when it was believed the gods must be compensated³ for the land a structure occupies. Originally a sacrifice, often human, was offered, but eventually it became common to put money or other valuables inside or under the first stone laid.

 

注释：

1. cornerstone [5kC:nEstEun] n. 奠基石，基石

2. talisman [5tAlizmEn] n. 驱邪物，护（身）符

3. compensate⁴ [5kCmpenseit] vt. 补偿，赔偿

 

护身符和象征

 

奠基石   建筑物一般都有奠基石，就连钢和玻璃结构的建筑物也有，上面通常刻有开工日期。奠基石是一种辟邪物，是为了给建筑在施工期间，乃至在建筑物的整个寿命期间带来好运。这一习俗起源于史前时期，那时有种迷信说因为建筑要占地，必须给土地诸神以补偿。最初是祭神，通常是用活人作祭品，但最终通行的办法是把钱或其他有价值的东西搁在铺下的第一块石头里或底下。

 

1 engraved   

v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的过去式和过去分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中）

参考例句：

• The silver cup was engraved with his name. 银杯上刻有他的名字。
• It was prettily engraved with flowers on the back. 此件雕刻精美，背面有花饰图案。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 talisman   

n.避邪物，护身符

参考例句：

• It was like a talisman worn in bosom.它就象佩在胸前的护身符一样。
• Dress was the one unfailling talisman and charm used for keeping all things in their places.冠是当作保持品位和秩序的一种万应灵符。

3 prehistoric   

adj.（有记载的）历史以前的，史前的，古老的

参考例句：

• They have found prehistoric remains.他们发现了史前遗迹。
• It was rather like an exhibition of prehistoric electronic equipment.这儿倒像是在展览古老的电子设备。

4 compensate   

vt.补偿，赔偿；酬报 vi.弥补；补偿；抵消

参考例句：

• She used her good looks to compensate her lack of intelligence. 她利用她漂亮的外表来弥补智力的不足。
• Nothing can compensate for the loss of one's health. 一个人失去了键康是不可弥补的。