शक़ाइक़

Meaning

Anemones or wild poppies, characterized by a dark central spot.

Detailed Meaning

'Shaqa'iq' is the plural of 'shaqiqa', primarily designating anemones or wild red poppies (shaqa'iq an-nu'man). In Persian and Urdu poetic conventions, the prominent dark spot at the center of each blossom is likened to an indelible scar (daagh) born of love or frenzy. In this couplet, the cupped petals or floral caps ('kulahen') of the poppies appear full of scars, mirroring the intense passion pervading the wilderness.

Etymology

Arabic, broken plural of 'shaqīqah' (as in 'shaqā'iq an-nu'mān', scarlet anemone / corn poppy).

Usage

In ghazal aesthetics, shaqa'iq is standardly employed to evoke the wounded heart through the flower's naturally charred-looking core.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words