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Many other terms from the Latin "tradere" have also retained their original meaning over the centuries. To cite a few examples, "translate" means "moving text from one language to another", "tradition" characterizes "the transmission of customs and traditions through time and generations."
Why is it then otherwise with the words «betray», «traitor» or «treason»?
In my view, the interpretation of a particular text has profoundly changed the word «traitor», now used indiscriminately:
In the Bible, when Judah is called the «traditurus» of Jesus, the word means« one who will deliver Jesus to Pilate» (and by extension of his fate, involving the sacrifice of death and the miracle of resurrection).
Once a predominance of moral judgment upon action was introduced, at the expense of a lecture in pure description of the gesture, the word traitor lost its original meaning «he who gives» to acquire the meaning of «wretch who breaks an oath of allegiance». The notion of «treason» , which became a morally reprehensible act, is therefore seen embodied in the symbolic figure of Judah. In the way " treason "has lost its original meaning, that of «to pass», turning into «non-compliance with an agreement», then «breach of the couple covenant».
Well, this is a mistake. And it can be corrected.
If we return to the original meaning of the word «betray», we considerably reduce the dimension of melodrama and the suffering that floats around the perception of that which allows one or more escapades while being in a couple. And keep in mind that the question of betrayal is not affected and shall not affect the couple as a whole, but only the one who carries it out (ceasing, therefore, to grant the right to spy on the partner looking for evidence of such treason).
Because the traitor is one who is temporarily «transported» elsewhere and that remains within their own individual sphere of personal liberty.
Not only etymologically but also emotionally and morally speaking, «traitor» being understood as a partner frequenting a third person, is simply their own temporary "transporter" to a new horizon. Whether it be in the office or for two hours with an ephemeral conquest, it will not change much for the couple.
Especially since small escapades are often a breath of fresh air for all those who, sincerely loving their life partner and who are individualistic in nature, feel an erosion in the relationship or wish to preserve the appearance of a married life after a breakup.
If we continue to intellectualize «traitor» as, sadly, one who breaks a promise of fidelity and carries prejudice, we are wrong.
Gemma Gaetani
