shiva
UK[ˈʃiːvə]US[ˈʃiːvə]
n
A period of seven days of formal mourning observed in Jewish custom following the death of a close relative.
n
(Shiva) One of the principal deities of Hinduism, the destroyer and regenerator within the Trimurti.
Etymology
The word "Shiva" is a borrowing from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language of India. In Sanskrit, "Śiva" originally carried meanings of "auspicious," "kind," or "propitious." This positive attribute became the name for one of the major Hindu gods, embodying both destructive and regenerative forces. In a distinct development, through Hebrew (שִׁבְעָה, shiv'ah, meaning "seven"), the term entered Jewish religious practice to denote the seven-day mourning period, phonetically converging with the name of the deity in English but remaining etymologically separate.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Sanskrit (शिव, Śiva), meaning "auspicious one" or "kindly." It entered English as an unanalyzed whole to denote the specific religious concepts.
Examples
The family sat shiva for their mother, receiving visitors and refraining from normal activities.
In Hindu tradition, Shiva is often depicted with a third eye and a serpent around his neck.
Following the funeral, they began the traditional week of shiva in their home.