Today marked the end of one delusion and the beginning of another.For a long while I had seen Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens as a couple, locked in their regal North/South kiss.
I've been shaken from my dream however. It all started when I noticed this seal on the trash cans in front of Borough Hall. I needed to know what Een Draght Mackt Maght meant. Because the world Draght reminds me of the word draught, I thought it had something to do with drinking beer. Thanks to online resources, I soon came to know that this was the Brooklyn motto, which I'm sure everyone knows but me.
I also learned that Brooklyn's colors are blue and gold, and that in editorial cartoons Brooklyn was typically depicted as female, the counterpart to masculine Manhattan. She gazes across the river at her splendid suitor.
Sweet. But I don't really see why Brooklyn would have the special honor of being the wife or girlfriend to Manhattan. Perhaps in 1850, but not now. These days, wouldn't Manhattan be a polygamist constantly straining to balance the needs of his four "sister wives." In this case, we don't have to go to Utah to find BIG LOVE.
The only things I know for sure are that there's a million ways to look at this, there's no doubt I've offended someone with my view (delusion), and that it's unlikely that anyone has time to give it much consideration.
4 comments:
So I'm in suspense, what does "Een Draght Mackt Maght" mean?
Literally, "One Draw Makes Might." A single pull makes strength, that is, all pulling together.
It's often translated as "Unity Makes Strength," but that's not right, it's too static.
And you're right. The Dutch word "draght" is the same as the English word "draught" or "draft" as in beer. In the middle of Iowa, they drink "draw beer." It's also the same word as "drag."
So, here we are, 6 years since the last post. I would like (as a dutchman) to state that the comparison 'draght' to 'draught' and 'draw' is false.
The words 'Een' en 'Draght' should be put toghther as in 'eendracht' which means indeed 'union' or 'to stick together' or a similar meaning.
When translated 'Een Draght Mackt Maght' means 'Unity makes power/strength'.
This sentence (in modern dutch 'Eendracht maakt macht') is still used by some dutch football (or soccer in the USA) clubs such as PSV Eindhoven.
So, here we are, 6 years since the last post. I would like (as a dutchman) to state that the comparison 'draght' to 'draught' and 'draw' is false.
The words 'Een' en 'Draght' should be put toghther as in 'eendracht' which means indeed 'union' or 'to stick together' or a similar meaning.
When translated 'Een Draght Mackt Maght' means 'Unity makes power/strength'.
This sentence (in modern dutch 'Eendracht maakt macht') is still used by some dutch football (or soccer in the USA) clubs such as PSV Eindhoven.
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