Names and stuff
Jun. 25, 2005 at 6:07 AM (MST)
(Last modified: Jun. 25, 2005 at 6:11 AM)
The name of a violin is a precious thing,
If you speak it or even sing,
I would have to give you everything.
My violin’s name is –ah, but that would be telling!
(adapted)
I read somewhere that in some religions, it is believed that a thing’s power is closely linked to its name and that anyone who speaks the name gains control over the thing in question –be it a sword, a demon, or even a god.
Relatedly, when a warrior’s sword broke in battle, it was believed that an enemy had learned the blade’s secret name.
Speaking of names and breaking things, fellow violinist.com blogger and kababayan Putch Panis posted a blog entry recently on the gut-wrenching feeling that probably all violinists get when their instruments fall apart.
We share a close bond with our violins, not unlike the relationship that warriors of old had with their weapons.
Giving something a name makes it unique and personal. It’s a verbal affirmation of the object’s intimate connection and endearment to its owner.
Oh, there’s magic involved all right. But not necessarily supernatural.
So, one day, I set about giving my violin a name. It’s old and brown, and one of my teachers used to joke that it looked like a cockroach. So, occasionally, even today, I affectionately refer to it as "my ipis." (from the Filipino word for cockroach).
I did try giving it a proper name, though, but nothing seemed to stick.
And then I realized that my violin is so much a part of me that I just couldn’t name it. It’s like a hand, or a foot, or a nose… (Of course, it’s quite possible that there’s someoune out there with an appendage named "George" or something, LOL)
And so, my violin has remained nameless.
Now if only I could actually get to PLAY it better…
