From time immemorial, the word "lot" was a synonym for the words "rock", "fate", "destiny". He helped make the most important choice in human life, when an independent decision was impossible. So what is a lot and how to determine fate with it?
Meaning of the word lot
A lot is a small object that is taken out of randomness from many similar objects. Draw lots when resolving disputes or prioritizing something (for example, a draw in football).
In fact, the word "lot" is translated from Old Russian as "piece", "share", "segment". Originally called a piece of wood or metal by lot. Perhaps it was a custom to use matches or coins for the draw. Today, various objects are used as fantasies - dice, small pieces of paper and much more.
Lot in historical terms
What is the lot, it was known in ancient times. The draw was used to determine the will of the supreme deities. The ancient Jews defined it with the help of twelve precious stones with the designations of the twelve Israeli tribes.
The Greeks threw phantas in the case of choosing a starting duel. Athenian officials were also chosen by lot.
The well-known use of the phrase "cast of lots" belongs to Guy Julius Caesar. In 49 BC Roman commander began the war with Pompey. Using little support from the legions, Caesar, however, acted decisively and purposefully. Remembering his past military failures, before crossing the border river Rubicon, the commander was tormented by doubts. Trusting the will of the gods, Caesar, uttering a legendary phrase, rushed into battle. The battle ended with the victory of Guy Julius over Pompey and the capture of the Roman Senate. We can say that the phrase "cast lots" predetermined the heyday of the Roman Empire.
For the first time in the history of Christianity, the draw was first encountered when deciding which of the 12 apostles was destined to take the place of Judah. Since then, the Christian church began to resort to the method of choosing the most important persons, for example, bishops by lot. However, since 578, the drawing of lots in church affairs was prohibited.
What is the lot knew in ancient Russia. Until the sixteenth century, it was decided by lot to decide which side to take the oath of office. From now on, the lot became an autonomous proof and replaced the oath itself. Two wax balls with the names of the plaintiff and defendant were placed in a hat. A random person from the watching audience was invited to pull one of the balls. The one with whose name the item was extended was considered right. Thus, the phantom was dictated “by the will of fate,” in other words, by pure chance.
Lot as a threshold of fun
What can a fun company of friends do in their leisure time? Dancing, picnic and a variety of games. Casting lots is required by the rules of many of these funs. The order and sequence of actions are determined by lot, as well as who will make the first move. As a destiny, different things are used - scraps of paper with the names of the players, matches, balls, dice. If there is nothing suitable at hand, the draw can be done using the game “Rock-paper-scissors”, known to every student.
Where else is the lot used
Nowadays, the draw is popular in more serious matters than simple games. The national teams for football at major UEFA football championships are determined by lot. The procedure is carried out using balls that symbolize the team. Thus, opponents in each group of players are selected. In addition, the lot determines the side of the football field for each team. The draw in this case is carried out using a coin.
What is the lot is also known in politics. In Spain, election day is held under the supervision of electoral councils of ordinary citizens elected by lot. In the CIS countries, the draw determines the primacy in the debate of political candidates.