The conception of colors in Hittite culture: an onomasiological study

The investigation deals with the Indo-European origins of both basic and secondary color terms in Hittite according to current etymologies, as ideal continuation of the initial findings by Belardi (1950). According to an onomasiological approach, a broad range of designations and their specific denotations in Hittite texts are examined. Based on Berlin and Kayʼs predictability model, Hittite is classified at stage V due to its term for ‘blue’, though it only has one term for both yellow and green, typically characteristic of stage IV. In alignment with Viti (2021), the study traces the representation and usage of color terms according to various parameters. These include abstract color concepts, natural material denominations, syntagmatic relationships with other colors, paradigmatic relationships within the lexicon, and connotations or metaphorical associations. The connotative and metaphorical significance of colors is particularly notable in rituals and magical practices, where colors like white, red, and black wool are used to absorb negative energies, symbolizing different conditions or embodying symbolic meanings.