Word Meaning
मय
may
Meaning
Wine; alcoholic drink, often symbolising spiritual ecstasy or worldly transience.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and Urdu poetry, 'may' literally denotes wine, frequently representing divine love, inner illumination, or detachment from worldly status. In this couplet, 'jaam-e-may' (the cup of wine) evokes the passing nature of mortal glory and the rapid succession of rulership from hand to hand. It serves as an antithesis to permanence, showing that crowns and power are passed around just like a cup among drinkers.
Etymology
Persian 'may' (مَی), descended from Middle Persian 'may'.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'may' is celebrated as a vehicle for transcendence and a poetic weapon against superficial orthodoxy.
Examples
The tavern came alive with the sweet scent of wine.
A cup of wine to forget the transience of mortal life.