Exploring 'Stihii'. The Journey of a Term in the Romanian Language and Culture

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to trace the journey of the term stihii within the Romanian language, focusing on its evolution from the early modern period to the 19th century. Deeply connected with the Byzantine theology and philosophy, stihii traditionally refers to the four fundamental elements of nature (air, earth, fire and water), and their inherent powers. The study examines the term’s progression from representing the four classical elements to embodying more abstract notions such as spiritual or incorporeal entities. Through an analysis of predominantly theological sources, the article explores how stihii served as a lens through which the natural world was understood and interpreted in harmony with theological thought. The research highlights the transformation of these elemental concepts within Romania’s culture, underscoring their role in shaping language, practices, and beliefs. The article aims at providing a broad cultural analysis, encompassing language, mythology, ancient philosophy, theology, anatomy, folklore, and literature, to explore the multifaceted significance of stihii in the Romanian ethos.