Maga

/ˈmɑːɡə/ noun

Definition

A magus or sorcerer in Persian and Islamic traditions, or in modern usage, an acronym for 'Make America Great Again.'

Etymology

From Persian 'magus,' related to the ancient Zoroastrian priest class. The historical maga were Persian wise men and priests whose knowledge of astronomy, medicine, and philosophy made them seem magical to outsiders. The modern usage as an acronym emerged in American political discourse in the 21st century.

Kelly Says

The biblical 'three wise men' or Magi who visited Jesus were actually Persian maga—Zoroastrian priests—which shows how much cross-cultural exchange happened in the ancient world and how a Persian religious class became embedded in Christian tradition.

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