Names, Signs, Tokens

“It would appear that names, signs, and tokens are interchangeable, just as each of them can represent yet other things. The distinction between them is largely a matter of distances.”¹ A token is “something given as the symbol and evidence of a right or privilege, upon the presentation of which the right or privilege may be exercised.”² “The sign is seen from afar; the name is uttered on closer approach; while the token is an actual handclasp or embrace. To be more specific, a sign (signum) is both a pointing (related to zeigen, teach, didactic, etc.) and a touching (touch, take, tactile, dactyl). In particular, it is the dexter, the right hand or taking hand, and as such is universal in the dexiosis [the representation of two people offering each other their right hand] of the mysteries….As one approaches the camp of Israel, carefully guarded in a dangerous environment, one first gives a sign to be seen from afar. Then, being recognized, one approaches and at closer range gives his name. This establishes closer identity. Nomen est omen [a name is a sign]: every name is an epithet indicating exactly in the manner of a token above ‘a distinguishing mark, indication, characteristic trait,’ which distinguishes one from all other members of the society. To receive a new name is to receive a new role or persona, to be identified with a particular situation or association, as is indicated by surname, family name, nickname, etc., each placing one in a relationship to society. Of great importance in the earliest tradition of the human race is the secret name by which the hero is known only to his parents….After the sign and the name comes the closest approach, the token as an actual hand clasp or embrace. The word seal, which is so important, is simply the diminutive of sign, sigillum from signum. It is rendered peculiar in Deuteronomy. Like other tokens, it can represent the individual who bears the king’s seal, who bears the authority. Its particular value, however, is as a time-binder. The seal secures the right of a person to the possession of something from which he or she may be separated by space and time; it guarantees that he shall not be deprived of his claim on an object by long or distant separation. The mark on the seal is the same as that which he carries with him. And when the two are compared, his claim is established, but only if neither of the tokens has been altered. This is the control anciently exercised by tally-sticks, such as the Stick of Joseph and the Stick of Judah.”³