Entity: EAST
East refers to the direction in which the sun rises, opposite to the west. It is a cardinal point of the compass, 90° to the right of north, and is the general direction from which the Sun appears to rise.
EAST
Etymology
The term 'East' originates from Old English 'ēast', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'austaz'.
Definition
East refers to the direction in which the sun rises, opposite to the west. It is a cardinal point of the compass, 90° to the right of north.
Historical Context
The practice of praying towards the East predates Christianity but has been adopted by the religion. East symbolizes new beginnings, birth, and renewal.
Cultural Significance
In various cultures, the East is associated with enlightenment, spirituality, and the start of a new day. It holds symbolic importance in rituals and traditions.
Related Concepts
East is often contrasted with the concept of West, representing different perspectives, traditions, and symbolism.
See Also
- West
- North
- South
The concept of East encompasses the direction toward which the Earth rotates about its axis, symbolizing the sunrise and new beginnings.