The Unexpected Origin of Mela non Sana: Unraveling the Mystery of the Eggplant
The Unexpected Origin of 'Mela non Sana': Unraveling the Mystery of the Eggplant
Introduction
In the early 21st century, the humble eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a well-loved culinary ingredient enjoyed across the globe. However, the name of this vegetable in some Italian dialects carries a peculiar historical connotation: 'mela non sana', which translates to 'unhealthy apple.'
Surprisingly, this name does not originate from any cultural fear or myth about the eggplant causing insanity. Instead, it is a playful pseudo-ethymology derived from a humorous misunderstanding of its Italian name, 'melanzana.'
The Folklore of Eggplant Insanity in Italian Folklore
There is a piece of 13th-century Italian traditional folklore that claims eggplants can cause insanity. This belief, however, is more likely a misinterpretation of cultural traditions and linguistic jokes rather than an actual historical fear of the vegetable.
Some enthusiasts attribute this superstition to a fear of a toxic vegetable, but modern botanical and historical evidence points to a completely different origin. The true source of the misunderstanding can be traced back to the Italian name 'melanzana', often misinterpreted as 'mela non sana' by those unfamiliar with the term.
The True Etymology of 'Melanzana'
The truth behind the eggplant's name lies in its Arabic roots. In the Middle Ages, the eggplant was not indigenous to Italy. It was introduced to Western Europe through the Arabic traders and scholars, who were instrumental in the spread of numerous crops and technologies across the Mediterranean.
The original Arabic term for eggplant was 'al-‘aysh al-yamani', meaning 'the Yemenite bread'. Over time, the term evolved into various forms in different languages, leading to the Italian 'melanzana', which accurately describes the shape and texture of the vegetable as resembling a flattened ball (mela meaning apple and zana meaning scion).
The name spread through the Italian dialects, and through a humorous twist of phrase, it became 'mela non sana'. This mistranslation is much closer to the modern slang terms such as 'apple of discord', where fruit is used playfully to refer to something that causes problems or conflicts.
Conclusion
The eggplant's name 'mela non sana' and the belief that it could cause insanity in Italian folklore can be attributed to the playful confusion of language rather than a genuine fear of its nutritional impact or medical properties. This misunderstanding serves as a fascinating example of how culture, language, and history can intertwine, creating unique and enduring myths.
Understanding the true origins of words and cultural beliefs can enrich our knowledge of history, expand our linguistic capabilities, and deepen our appreciation of the diverse culinary traditions that have shaped the world we live in today.