Primordial Symbolism and the Etymology of Kalendae: A Comparative-Philological and Cognitive Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the Latin term Kalendae through a multi-dimensional philological framework, integrating phonological, semantic, symbolic, and comparative perspectives. While mainstream etymology derives Kalendae from calendae (“first day of the month”) and calendarium (“account book, register”), this analysis investigates the underlying conceptual structures preserved across Indo-European languages. Albanian, Greek, and Proto-Indo-European (PIE) roots are examined to identify primordial phonetic–symbolic units that encode emergence, separation, and temporal transition. The findings suggest that Kalendae reflects an ancient cosmological understanding of time, subsequently formalized in Roman ritual and administrative practice. This approach demonstrates that etymology can reveal deep symbolic and cognitive continuities underlying lexical evolution.

Keywords

Kalendae, Albanian, Greek καλέω, Proto-Indo-European, etymology, symbolic semantics, comparative philology, temporal cognition

1. Introduction

Etymology, properly understood, concerns the historical development of a word’s constituent elements rather than the word as a fixed lexical unit. Conventional accounts of Kalendae emphasize Roman calendrical and administrative usage; however, deeper investigation reveals layers of meaning associated with emergence, separation, and cyclical temporal processes.

This study proposes that Latin Kalendae encodes a primordial conceptual framework preserved across Indo-European languages. Albanian verbal roots, Greek verbal forms, and PIE reconstructions provide evidence of conceptual continuity, suggesting that time as cyclical emergence is encoded linguistically.

2. Methodology

2.1 Scope and Rationale

A multi-dimensional methodology is adopted, integrating phonological, semantic, symbolic, and comparative analysis. Words are treated as dynamic systems composed of foundational semantic units, whose meanings evolve through recombination, semantic drift, and cultural codification. The study focuses on primordial symbolic elements, which may underlie lexical formations across Indo-European languages.

2.2 Symbolic–Semantic Decomposition

Kalendae is analyzed via segmentation (ka + le + ndae) or as ka lind-a, where ka denotes existence, le/lind denotes emergence, and nda/nda denotes separation. Broader phonetic–symbolic units—bhë, bho, bha, bher, al, ar, ol, oi, oia, ui, ul, i, o, zë, zhër, za, zan, da—serve as comparative markers of perception, motion, emergence, presence, division, and relational structures.

2.3 Comparative Analysis

Albanian: lind dielli (“the sun is born”) exemplifies emergence and separation.

Greek: καλέω (kaléō, “to call, summon”) and PIE *kelh₁- (“to call, proclaim”) encode initiation and activation.

Latin: Kalendae integrates symbolic emergence with formal calendrical function.

Phonological variation is evaluated alongside semantic and symbolic alignment, exploring parallel retention of archaic Indo-European conceptual structures.

2.4 Diachronic Considerations

Primordial phonetic–symbolic units may undergo recombination, resemanticization, and institutionalization, producing cumulative semantic layers. Symbolic analysis complements historical-comparative methods by uncovering latent cognitive frameworks that precede textual attestation. Limitations are acknowledged: symbolic correspondences cannot alone establish genetic relationships and require cross-linguistic corroboration.

3. Analysis

3.1 Morphological and Semantic Segmentation

ka: existence or presence

le/lind: emergence, birth

nda/nda: separation, division

Alternatively, ka lind-a encodes birth through separation, linking sunrise, the first day of the month, and the first day of the year.

3.2 Cosmological Significance

The rising sun divides night from day, marking emergence of light. Temporal markers such as the first day of the month and year extend this conceptual principle. This suggests Kalendae encodes primordial temporal cognition predating Roman calendrical practice.

3.3 Comparative Evidence

Albanian: lind dielli

Greek: καλέω

PIE: *kelh₁-

These demonstrate conceptual convergence across verbal, temporal, and ritual domains.

4. Counter-Arguments

Mainstream etymology: Kalendae derives from calendae (“first day of the month”), calendarium (“account book”), emphasizing administrative function. While historically accurate, this does not fully explain conceptual origin. Symbolic-semantic analysis complements mainstream etymology by revealing cognitive and cosmological dimensions otherwise overlooked.

5. Discussion

Kalendae encodes primordial concepts of emergence, separation, and temporal cycles. Phonetic–symbolic units reveal cognitive continuity across Indo-European languages. Integrating symbolic analysis with historical-comparative methods provides a holistic understanding of lexical evolution.

6. Conclusion

Latin Kalendae preserves ancient conceptual structures, reflecting the human understanding of cyclical time. Albanian, Greek, and PIE evidence supports continuity of primordial semantic cores, showing that words function as repositories of cognitive and cosmological knowledge. This approach complements mainstream etymology by emphasizing deep symbolic and cognitive layers underlying language formation.

References

Beekes, R. S. P. (2011). Comparative Indo-European Linguistics: An Introduction. Amsterdam University Press.

Fortson, B. W. (2010). Indo-European Language and Culture: An Introduction. 2nd edition. Wiley-Blackwell.

Huld, M. (2000). “The Indo-European Roots of Albanian Verbs.” Journal of Indo-European Studies, 28(3-4), 243–274.

Pokorny, J. (1959). Indogermanisches Etymologisches Wörterbuch. Francke.

Meier-Brügger, M. (2003). Indo-European Linguistics. Walter de Gruyter.

Latin inscriptions and literary sources referencing Kalendae, e.g., Varro, De Lingua Latina, I.16.