athbreith
The Irish word for rebirth is athbreith.
athbreith refers to the concept of reincarnation.
Meaning: reincarnation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While athbreith means reincarnation, the term Athfás is used to represent the idea of regeneration or re-growth.
Did you know?
- Because breith comes from a root meaning 'to decide' or 'to judge', the Irish word for rebirth implies that the next life is a result of a decision.
- In ancient Irish mythology, the concept of rebirth was often tied to the 'Otherworld', a place where souls existed in a state of perpetual youth before returning.
- While athbreith is the literal term for reincarnation, it is rarely used in casual conversation to describe personal spiritual experiences. Instead, people often use the phrase an saol nua to mean 'the new life'.
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cathal are discussing spiritual beliefs.
- SiobhánAn creideann tú i n-athbreith, a Chathail?Do you believe in rebirth, Cathal?
- CathalNíl mé cinnte, ach seemsh iontáistí ann.I'm not sure, but it seems fascinating.
- SiobhánIs creidmeann láidir é an athbreith i gcuid teangaí.Rebirth is a strong belief in some cultures.
- CathalTá mé ag gabháil leis an smaoineamh sin.I am open to that idea.
