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There are more than a few theories to explain why and how synesthesia exists. I will eventually write my out my own theory here, but for the meantime, below are some of the historical theories [that are most likely quite incorrect]. Most of them are included in Dr. Steve Mark Shindell's "Personality Characteristics Associated with Reported Synesthesia", a paper-slash-study from 1983, available on microfische at the University of Arizona Library in Tucson. I have finally found the hardcopy I made of the microfiched paper, and I intend to ask Dr. Shindell for permission to scan the pages and place them on this site.
The Degeneracy Theory
Synesthesia is "an aberration of personality in which the individual relies on a more primitive, regressed stage of differentiation of sense[;][...] synesthesia [is] a pathological sign of repression, such as is found in schizophrenia."
The Compensation Theory
"[S]ynesthesia is a physiological defense that allows an individual to shift to a superior auxillary sense when a defective avenue cannot adequeately handle the stimulus."
The Vibration Theory
"[T]he vibrational patterns of colors are simply mathematically related to the auditory sound waves. Thus, one tonal frequency would relate to its mathematical multiple frequency of the visual spectrum."
The Emotional-Tone Theory
"[E]motions are associated with tones according to the person's own like or dislike of that color. Thus, if a personal liked red, he/she would be apt to associate red with other things which he/she liked."
The Learning Theor[y/ies]
"These theories postulate that synesthesia is merely a learned response acquired early in life."
The Color-Symbolism Theory
The Neuronal Theory (The Cross-Circuiting Theory)
The Unity-of-Senses Theory
"The unity of the senses doctrine states that there exists common dimensions upon which all senses exist."
Further reading: "Is There a Normal Phase of Synaesthesia in Development?", a short paper by Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen.
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