Chalte Chalte

My name, Ashley, means ‘From the Ash Tree Field.’ When looking up my name I came across something called numerology. http://www.meaning-of-baby-girl-names.org.uk/first-name-meanings-a/meaning-of-ashley.htm According to that, I’m an organizer, but I don’t believe in that kind of stuff so I thought I’d keep searching. I don’t know much about ash trees, so thank God for the internet. Ash is well known for having tough wood that is very strong, but also flexible. Because of this, ash is widely used in sports and sporting equipment, including baseball bats and bows. It is also used for some musical instruments, like electric guitars and in the past, even as car frames. In China it was widely used in medicine for awkward reasons I would prefer not to share.

Ash is mentioned in mythology quite a bit too. In Norse mythology the first man was created from an ash tree. It is also suggested that the sugary substance the tree emits could be fermented to create the Norse ‘Mead of Inspiration.’ This Meade of Inspiration is said to be a “mythical beverage that whoever "drinks becomes a skald or scholar" to recite any information and solve any question” (Wiki). In Greek mythology, the Maliae were nymphs of the ash. It is also said that ash leaves or a circle drawn with an ash branch would repel snakes.

On a darker note, Irish folklore claimed that shadows from an ash tree would damage crops. In Sussex, the ash tree was known as the Widow Maker because large branches would often drop without warning.

So ash is strong and flexible. Metaphorically I hope people view me like that. I’ve definitely always viewed myself as a strong, independent person that takes time to enjoy life, and I hope that is what others see. Ash is widely known for its uses. Similarly, I hope that someday I will be widely known for my talents. After all my own identity is largely defined by my talents.

~Ashley Q

So: what does your name mean, and do you want to embody that definition? Does your name describe you? Do you want it to?

Now pass it on and make your own blog post!