Salome
Proper noun A woman from the New Testament of the Christian Bible. According to the Gospel accounts, she is the daughter of Herodias. Her dancing pleased her stepfather, Herod Antipas, so much that he promised to grant her any wish. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter, a request Herod fulfilled.
The word "Salome" is used almost exclusively as a proper name to refer to this specific biblical figure. It is commonly encountered in religious, artistic, literary, and historical discussions.
Examples - The story of Salome has been a popular subject for painters and opera composers. - In the biblical narrative, Salome is often depicted as an unwitting instrument of her mother's vengeance. - Oscar Wilde wrote a famous play titled Salomé.
- Salome is frequently used as a symbol of dangerous female seduction and the corrupting power of desire in Western art and literature. This interpretation is largely derived from later artistic traditions rather than the concise biblical text.
- The name is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a person who uses charm or allure to achieve a destructive or manipulative end.
- Salomé: A common alternative spelling, particularly in artistic contexts (e.g., Oscar Wilde's play, Richard Strauss's opera).
- Dance of the Seven Veils: The elaborate dance often associated with Salome in later traditions, though not described in the Bible.
There are no direct synonyms for the proper name "Salome." In descriptive contexts, one might use phrases like: - the daughter of Herodias - the biblical dancer - the figure who requested John the Baptist's head
- Like Salome: Used to imply a character who is seductive and ultimately destructive. (e.g., )
- A Salome-like figure: A descriptive phrase for someone whose allure leads to tragic consequences.
- woman whose dancing beguiled Herod into giving her the head of John the Baptist