Hladové vody a původ jejich jména
Hungry Waters and the origin of their name

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the possible origin of the names of the springs Hladová voda (Hungry Water) and Hladová studánka (Hungry Well), of which there are at least ten in the Czech Republic. Most sources state that the name comes from the fact that people felt hungry after drinking water from the spring. All the springs located are presented in the article, their chemical composition is described and this is compared with balneological findings on the effects of water on health. At the same time, other meanings of this name are also given, whether they are hydronyms (abroad) or general descriptions of the properties of water. In conclusion, a hypothesis is put forward that the origin of the name is not derived from the special chemistry and specific effect of the water, but arose because hungry farmers or foresters tried to stave off hunger by drinking water from these springs while in the field, but this did not help; on the contrary, it may have made them feel even hungrier.

• Details
• Contents