Drought reveals ‘hunger stones’ in River Elbe historically used to forecast famine

乾旱揭示易北河歷史上用來預測飢荒的「飢餓石頭」

【摘要2022.9.18.日.自由】◎林雨萱

Ancient stones bearing dire warnings have resurfaced as a lengthy drought grips much of the European continent.

當長期乾旱席捲大部分歐洲大陸，具有可怕警告的古老石頭重新浮現。

Centuries ago, stones lining dried-up riverbeds were marked to warn future generations that their exposure meant famine was around the corner.

數世紀之前，沿著乾涸河床排列的石頭被標記來警告後世，它們的暴露表示飢荒即將到來。

Several European rivers, including the Elbe, Rhine and Weser, retain what became known as “hunger stones”, which bear grim warnings for those unfortunate enough to lay eyes on them.

易北河、萊茵河和威悉河等數條歐洲河流保有被稱作「飢餓石頭」的東西，對那些非常不幸看到它們的人發出嚴厲的警告。

One stone on the bank of the River Elbe, in the Czech Republic town of Decin, has emerged this year.

一顆在捷克迪辛市易北河河岸的石頭今年已經浮現。

Noticed recently by a German journalist, it bears the inscription: “If you see me, then weep.”

這顆石頭最近被一位德國記者注意到，它刻有文字「如果你看見我，哭泣吧」。

Some markings date back to the 15th century, Czech researchers found in 2013, and the Decin stone commemorates at least 12 droughts over 600 years.

捷克研究員在2013年發現，一些標記可以追溯至15世紀，而且這顆迪辛石紀念了600多年來的至少12次乾旱。

新聞辭典

famine：名詞，飢荒。例句：People of the least developed countries often face famine.（低度開發國家人民時常遇到飢荒。）

dire：形容詞，可怕的、危急的、極端的。例句：A flock of refugees is in dire necessity.（一群難民處境極度貧困。）

weep：動詞，哭泣、流淚。例句：When Annie walked down the aisle in white dress, her mom wept with joy. （當安妮穿著白紗走上紅毯，她媽媽喜極而泣。）