Sampasree

The name of a girl is GeneRally used in Eastern India(states of Orissa, Bengal, Assam) and has its origins in Sanskrit. It could also be linked to that of Indo-European beliefs.

Indian origins and beliefs

A very uncommon name which indicates a person who is blessed or brings radiance, prosperity (both material and spiritual). The name is actually made up of two sanskrit words 'sampa' & 'sree'/ 'sri'/'shree'. Sampa means Lightning and Sree captures the unity of Beauty, Radiance, Wealth & Prosperity. The name would also refer to The INDIAN Goddess of Wealth & Beauty.

Therefore, it would refer to a special girl child bringing a joyous ocassion.

Local folklore and beliefs indicate that when a girl-child is born , generally first, she brings in wealth & prosperity. It is believed that she is the RESERVOIR or embodiment of wealth, beauty, loveliness, grace, charm, wisdom , justice, generosity, courage, fortune, fertility, splendour, and lustre - a perfect daughter.

She also represents a more soothing, warm and approachable mother figure who willingly intervenes on behalf of her loved ones and acts as the advocate for the requests.

Local beliefs also have note that a wife brings in wealth to the husband.

The name 'Sampasree' or Sampashree or Sampashri or Sampasri thus means beautiful, properous and powerful as the lightning.

Some more beliefs on lightning

Ancient European

As an omen, lightning was considered an auspicia oblativa, an unsought auspice, meaning one out of the blue and not officially requested through ritual. Lightning and thunder were of a class of omens called ex caelo ("from the heavens") and were the most important type; and if an augur officially reported thunder or lightning, the comitia (officially assemblies) were not to be held.

Lightning was recognized as several different types, which affected the interpretation of the sign: there were for example types considered "punishing", "ominous," "decisive," or "boastful." Pliny the Elder, who lived in the first century CE (and who died in The Famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius) says in his Natural History that according to the Etruscans there are nine Gods who have the ability to send lightning, but eleven types of lightning, since Jupiter throws three kinds. (Though he also says that the Romans only recognize two Gods who sent lightning: Jupiter in the daytime, and Summanus or Pluto at night.) We know of at least seven Gods who were thought to throw thunderbolts: Jupiter, Juno, Mulcibar/Vulcan, Minerva, Mars, Saturn, and Summanus/Pluto (though besides Pliny I haven't found anything linking Summanus and Pluto, so perhaps they are to be considered separately).

Ancient Oriental beliefs

In some beliefs lightning is viewed as the symbol of justice or the ability to separating good from evil and to uphold justice.

MidEast Biblical beliefs

Thunder-storms are common in Syria and Israel during the periods of heavy rain in the spring and fall and are often severe. Lightning is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall or by hail, as at the time of the plague of hail (Ex 9:24).

In the Biblical Scriptures it is used:

(a) indicating The Power of God: The power of God is shown in His command of the forces of Nature, and He is the only one who knows the secrets of Nature: "He made .... a way for the lightning" (Job 28:26); "He directeth .... his lightning" (Job 37:3 the King James Version); "Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go?" (Job 38:35); "Ask ye of Yahweh .... that maketh lightnings" (Zec 10:1). See also Ps 18:14; 97:4; 135:7; Job 36:32; Jer 10:13;

(b) figuratively and poetically: David sings of Yahweh, "He sent .... lightnings manifold, and discomfited them" (Ps 18:14); used for speed: "The chariots .... run like the lightnings" (Nah 2:4): "His arrow shall go forth as the lightning" (Zec 9:14); "The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning" (Ezek 1:14). The coming of the kingdom is described by Jesus as the shining of the lightning from one part of heaven to another, even "from the east unto the west" (Mt 24:27; Lk 17:24); (c) meaning bright or shining: Daniel in his vision saw a man and "his face (was) as the appearance of lightning" (Dan 10:6).

African beliefs Ngai punishes those who do not keep their oath sworn in his name, by striking them with lightning

Science on Lightning - Interesting

Wikipedia notes that there are 10 types of ligtning and 12 subtypes (very close to the ancient european beliefs)

- Lightning factoidz.com on the-different-types-of-lightning More on Lightning