Open sesame. That’s a phrase most all of us have heard, and may have even said, at some point in our lives. But what does it mean? And where did it come from?
It might sound like a direction given to an Amazon Alexa to hear the opening tune from the longtime children’s show “Sesame Street.” It isn’t. (I tried, and it didn’t work.)
It could sound like a request to open a box of Keebler Toasted Sesame crackers to put your cheese slices on. Unfortunately, once again, it is not. Although I am going to give it a shot.
If you think it sounds like a magical phrase used to open a secret door, well, more than likely, you are getting warm.
A common thought on the origin of the phrase involves a sensible theory that it derived from the words, “Open, says me.” That’s logical but is likely incorrect.
If you are familiar with the story of “Ali Baba And The Forty Thieves” in “One Thousand and One Nights,” you are probably closer. In the story, Ali Baba opens a magical door with the words, "Open, O Simsim” and sees a treasure hidden by 40 thieves.
But how did he choose those words? The story goes that Ali Baba overheard one of the 40 thieves saying, “Open sesame.” Later, his brother can’t remember the phrase and confuses it with the names of grains other than sesame, which results in being trapped in the magic cave.
The phrase has apparently been translated from the French into English as “Sesame, open,” “Open, sesame” and “Open, O sesame.”
The word “sesame” in the phrase may refer also to sesame plants or seeds, which grow pods that split open when reaching maturity. As such, some claim the phrase alludes to unlocking of treasures. Another theory includes sesame being connected to Babylonian magic practices that used sesame oil.
If you are intrigued, do a little research, and you will see that the debates on the origins of the phrase are endless. Or, just say “Open, sesame” as many times as you can today and see how others react.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
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