MESSENGER PIGEON Meaning and
Definition
-
A messenger pigeon, also known as a homing pigeon or carrier pigeon, is a specially trained type of pigeon that is used to deliver messages or important information over long distances. These pigeons have been domesticated and selectively bred for their natural ability to navigate and locate their original home, even when they are released from unfamiliar places.
The use of messenger pigeons dates back thousands of years and has been employed in various cultures throughout history. These pigeons are typically equipped with lightweight containers or tubes attached to their bodies, in which messages or small items can be securely stored. Messages could be written on thin paper or enclosed in tiny capsules, safeguarding them during flight.
Primarily relied upon in times when other modes of communication were limited or inaccessible, messenger pigeons can travel long distances with remarkable speed and accuracy. They possess an amazing homing instinct, allowing them to return to their original location, often flying back within a few hours or days. This inherent talent is due to their keen sense of geographical orientation and their ability to recognize landmarks and memorize the routes they have traveled.
Despite advancements in modern technology rendering messenger pigeons largely obsolete, their historical significance and remarkable capacity for navigation still fascinate many. These intelligent and trained birds have played a critical role in delivering significant messages during wars, emergencies, and other situations where communication was of utmost importance. Their legacy and contribution to communication methods have left an indelible mark on human history.
Etymology of MESSENGER PIGEON
The term "messenger pigeon" is a combination of the words "messenger" and "pigeon".
The word "messenger" originally comes from the Old English word "messager", which derived from the Latin word "missus", meaning "a sending or dispatching". Over time, it evolved to refer to a person or animal that carries and delivers a message.
On the other hand, the word "pigeon" can be traced back to the Latin word "pīvo", which means "young bird" or "squab". The Old English word for pigeon was "picg", which later developed into "pijon" or "pigeon", referring to the bird we commonly know today.
Therefore, "messenger pigeon" implies a pigeon that is specifically trained and used for carrying and delivering messages.
