Entity: CAIRN
A cairn is a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or landmark, often used to mark points along hiking trails.
CAIRN
Etymology
The name 'cairn' was retained for a class of musical instruments that developed from the hunting horn. The French horn is considered the true representative of this class. The term has also been used in various contexts, including automobile warning signals.
Definition
A cairn is a pile of stones set up as a marker, monument, or memorial of some kind. Cairns are often used to mark points along hiking trails and can be found in various landscapes.
Historical Context
Cairns have a long history and have been used by different cultures for various purposes, such as marking burial sites, indicating trails, or as memorials.
Cultural Significance
Cairns hold cultural significance in many societies as symbols of remembrance, navigation aids, or spiritual markers. They can also serve as landmarks in the wilderness.
Related Concepts
Cairns are related to other forms of stone structures, such as dolmens, menhirs, and stone circles, which have been used for similar purposes throughout history.
See Also
A cairn is a symbolic pile of stones set up as a marker, monument, or memorial of some kind.