[sesame]

Originally Posted by sesame

What is the origin of the word:

A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A

• To Johndowe, if you quote my original question about abracadabra and this one, you will find the structural difference and economy of code used to create the latter pattern.
  
• Since ila or anyone else has not attempted to answer my question for so long, I will give the answer for sake's sake!
  
  
• Abracadabra was indeed a word of power in ancient Greece. This magical formula was to be written in a parchment and worn in an amulet as a necklace. It was supposed to ward off sickness. The exact greek word was ABRASADABRA with an "S".
  
• Another very ancient source:
  Hebrew words for Father(ab), son(ben), holy spirit(ruach acadosch)...
  gave rise to Aramaic idiom, avra kedabra, which meant, "I will create as I speak!"
  
  
• Later on, magicians and performers used those magical words to add some mysticism to their shows, along with "Presto", "Voila" and "hocus-pocus".