Babylonian Blessing (to a woman) Posters and Art Prints

Old Babylonian blessing (or greeting) directed at a girl or woman (for grammatical reasons: Akkadian distinguishes male and female pronouns for "you". You can find a male version here ) Phrases such as these were used in letter openings to greet the recipient (like a modern “I hope you’re well”). The Babylonian-Akkadian text reads: ilū aššumija dāriš ūmim liballiṭūki, „May the Gods forever keep you well because of me“. The “because of me” part, though it makes the translation sound a bit awkward, is essential: it implies that the well-wisher will take it upon him- or herself to make the gods favour you by means of prayers and offerings. The ornaments are based on the famous Ishtar Gate from Babylon, now at the Vorderasiatische Museum, B...