Episode 230: Symbol

Your Greek Word On A Sunday

(intro & piano music)
There are some words whose history of meaning surprises me because it's not based on reason or practicality but, sentiment. Συν (syn) means 'with', Βάλλειν (vallin) is the ancient greek infinitive for 'throw'. The combined word arrived in English in the 15th century and meant the result of two individual things thrown together so they can form a whole. That match, was a sign for their owners to recognise eachother without speaking. A secret acknowledgment. The completed piece was called a ΣΥΜΒΟΛΟ/SYMBOL

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