Majority of the Spaniards self-identify as Catholics. And a large number of proverbs that the Spaniards use have been derived from Roman Catholic culture. In that period human qualities like humbleness and respect for others were promoted in the churches, so as now. This proverb has a good notion of that practice.
Allí donde fueres, haz lo que vieres.
Translation: Here in Rome, do as the Romans.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This proverb denotes the necessity of following the custom of the place which someone is visiting. It emphasize on the fact of how people should coupe up with the situations or places where the perspectives of life style differs from where he or she belongs. This proverb also comes in another form- “Dondde Fures, Haz Como Vieres”. There is a similar proverb in English that has actually originated from classical Rome- “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” A parallel Bangla proverb is also there- “যস্মিন দেশে যদাচার”, which itself is originated from Sanskrit.
This proverb also has some connection to the colonization that the Spanish conducted during the middle ages. They travelled, explored and dominated many parts of Asia and Latin America. Since they visited diverse culture, it was essential for them to learn and behave in those cultures in order to reign over them.
Cuando las barbas de tu vecino veas pelar, pon las tuyas a remojar.
Translation: When you see your neighbor's beard strip, put yours to soak.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: The proverb means that people should be aware about the mistakes that others make and at the same time they need to observe the misfortune of other people in order to be warned that the same could happen to them. There is a similar proverb in English- “You should learn from other people’s mistakes.”
It’s interesting that the proverb has a reference to the beards. It is of great significance since in the Classical World and in the Middle Ages beards indicated honor, courage and power. The biggest affront among Moors and Christians was to pull the other’s beard.
Aunque la mona se vista de seda, mona se queda.
Translation: Although silk dress cute, cute stays.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This proverb indicates that it’s vain to attempt hiding defects or blemishes. It is of no use since such defects will be discovered sooner or later and in that case, we will actually make a full out of ourselves. A parallel English proverb goes which is- “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
It’s interesting that the proverb refers not to just physical defect. It refers to the moral defects as well. In another sense it also indicates the desire of showing off what we are not. As a nation, the Spanish are well educated, they work hard and they show honesty on their deeds. Therefore, this proverb can be considered as a warning for those who love to show off.
No te quites el gabán, hasta que llegue San Juan
Translation: Do not take off his overcoat, until you reach San Juan
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This proverb asks to wear warm clothes until the St. John’s Day, June 24th, since weather in Spain remains very unstable and people may need them. However, this proverb means more than just keeping someone warm. St. John’s Eve is the most celebrated event of summer in Spain and interestingly it’s also the shortest night of the year. Since Spaniards are famous for their celebration of various cultural and religious events, this proverb rather inspires people to get ready and celebrate the summer fiesta.
A río revuelto, ganancia de Pescadores.
Translation: A troubled waters, fishermen gain.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This saying indicates that there are people who have mastered the practice of making profit when there is general misfortune. It is used for accusing those who wait for a disaster in order to take advantage of the situation. A similar English proverb is there- “It is good fishing in troubled waters.” And there are 2 Bangla proverbs that have similar meanings: “ঘোলা পানিতে মাছ শিকার” and “কারো পৌষ মাস কারো সর্বনাশ”.
This proverb was originated during the Second World War. Interestingly, during this war the stand of Spain was very obscure. They had their support for the Axis Power but they never took part in the military combat. In fact, when the entire was burning in war, Spain was the only country which was hardly affected by it.
Al que quiera saber, poco y al revés.
Translation: When you want to know, little and vice versa.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This Spanish proverb refers to certain people who try to get their nose into the private matters of others that do not really concern them. This kind of people does not ask to know other people’s problems and help, but to gossip about them. This saying advises to distrust those who want to know everything.
As a nation, Spaniards are well educated and financially mostly solvent. People from such background usually don’t get themselves into the private affairs of other people. Still there are such public nuisances in all community and such proverb actually reflects the reaction of the Spanish people towards them.
Las cuentas, claras, y el chocolate, espeso.
Translation: Accounts clear, and chocolate thick.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: Literally, the proverb means in order to make a chocolate delicious, it has to be thick. But the underlying meaning of this saying is to keep things clear. This saying advises to set the conditions of contracts or other commercial activities clearly, in order to avoid being cheated. Or to be more prices, this proverb means that there should be no tricks or traps in social or business relations.
Spaniards are characteristically very transparent in business and trading. This saying actually reflects their standing for that straight forwardness in business deals. Unlike a number of trade personnel and companies of Bangladesh, they generally do not believe to keep loopholes in business deals and expect the same in return.
Oveja que bala, bocado que pierde
Translation: Lamb that bleat, it loses bite.
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This proverb is usually used when people are sitting at the table and somebody talks and does not eat while the rest manage to take advantage and go on eating, so the one who is talking does not have a bite to eat. If the person who doesn’t eat complains because there is not much food or there is none, the rest use this proverb. But generally, it refers to those who get distracted and do not do their work well.
It’s interesting that a large number of Spanish proverbs are related to foods and drinks, though those proverbs have underlying meanings. And most of those proverbs actually attack the greed and such other characteristics of human nature. This proverb is a good example of that.
Lentejas, si quieres las comes y si no, las dejas
Translation: Lentils, if you want to eat them and if not, let
Literal Meaning & Analysis: This proverb is said when a plateful of lentils is seen and literally means if you see it, then take it otherwise not. But generally this refers to the times when people are obliged to do something. It also means that if you do not take what you are offered, eventually you will get nothing. There is a close English and Bangla proverb- “Something is better than nothing” and “নেই মামার চাইতে কানা মামা ভালো”.
The above mentioned proverbs are moral or sentimental in nature. Moreover, they are the result of experience, so they have a practical value as well. They show the social behavior, the moral concepts, the natural resources and many more practical and useful details of Spanish people for everyday life.
