what is the origin of “open sesame” ?

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Here is the Authentic Origin & Usage of the Magic Password, ‘Open Sesame’:

“First as a magic password in 1785 translation of Galland’s “Mille et une nuits,” where it opens the door of the thieves’ den in “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.”

Phrase open sesame current since about 1826.”

Sesame ; is in use since 1440, probably from M.Fr. sisame, from L. sesamum (nom. sesama), from Gk. sesamon (Doric sasamon) “seed or fruit of the sesame plant,”

Source : Etymology Dictionary

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In the tales of the Arabian Nights, in the story of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”, the words “open sesame” were the magic phrase that would open the cave where the theives hid their treasure.

“Open sesame,” the famous phrase from the Arabian Nights, reflects the distinguishing feature of the sesame seed pod, which bursts open when it reaches maturity

The saying originated in the United States in the mid-twentieth century and refers to the live bait kept in jars or other containers by fishermen. So uhm…..if they fish with snakes….then we might have been opening cans of snakes. But you so wouldn’t see me there. I have a phobia! (See “Fear Factor” question!)

Actually.. It was supposed to be, “Open says me”. But I guess over time people kinda compiled the words together to make it sound like that.

close sesame