Introduction Kaifeng, a city with a rich history in China, has accumulated a wealth of local sayings or proverbs that reflect the local culture, traditions, and wisdom. These sayings often convey profound meanings in a concise manner, reflecting the everyday life and philosophical thoughts of the people of Kaifeng. In this article, we will explore and explain some of these local sayings in English, providing insights into their origins and the messages they convey.
1. “Ren yu jiu ren” (人誉醉酒，人毁醉酒) Translation: “When people praise someone, they drink to get drunk; when people criticize someone, they drink to get drunk.” Explanation: This saying highlights the social custom of drinking during celebrations and gatherings. Whether it’s praise or criticism, people tend to take it to heart and partake in festivities with a drink, emphasizing the importance of social harmony and the joy of togetherness.
2. “Tang xue jing jie” (糖醋皆结) Translation: “Both sweet and sour turn to glue.” Explanation: This saying metaphorically conveys the idea that excessive consumption of either sweet or sour food can lead to indigestion. It can also be used to describe a situation where one becomes overly attached to something, leading to problems.
3. “Shui xian bao cai” (水仙抱菜) Translation: “Water lily holds vegetables.” Explanation: This saying is used to describe a person who is overly modest, hiding their talents and achievements like a water lily that holds its roots underwater. It serves as a reminder to not underestimate others’ abilities due to their modesty.
4. “Jie shui chui men” (截水推门) Translation: “Cutting the water to push the door open.” Explanation: This saying describes a futile effort, as one cannot cut the water to push the door open. It’s used to refer to actions that are doomed to fail from the beginning or to describe a situation where one is trying to solve a problem with a wrong approach.
5. “Fen xian chu xin” (粉鲜出汗) Translation: “Sweat out the freshness of powder.” Explanation: This saying is used to describe a situation where someone has exerted great effort to achieve something, symbolized by the act of sweating out the “freshness” or essence of what they have accomplished.
6. “Ming ren jing yan” (名人镜烟) Translation: “Famous person mirror smoke.” Explanation: This saying refers to the smoke that appears on a mirror when someone famous passes by, symbolizing the temporary fame and popularity that people may experience.
Conclusion The local sayings of Kaifeng offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage and values of the people who have lived there for generations. These sayings, with their succinct and profound meanings, continue to be passed down and appreciated by the residents and visitors alike. By understanding these sayings, one can gain a deeper insight into the essence of Kaifeng’s local culture and history.