To Hometown Brocade Decorate: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read To hometown brocade decorate

kokyou he nishiki wo kazaru

Meaning of To hometown brocade decorate

“To hometown brocade decorate” means when a person who has achieved success or advancement in another place returns to their hometown where they were born and raised, bringing their achievements with them and showing their prosperity to the local people.

This proverb expresses the natural human psychology that when people succeed, the ones they most want to show it to are the people from their hometown. The desire to be recognized by the people from the place where they spent their childhood, to have those who knew their former self see who they are now, is a universal emotion that many people harbor. One’s hometown is their roots, and perhaps it’s only by being valued there that they can truly feel successful. Even today, it’s used in situations where famous people from a local area hold triumphant performances, or successful entrepreneurs build factories in their hometowns. However, it’s not simply about bragging, but is understood as an expression with deeper meaning that includes feelings of giving back to and gratitude toward one’s hometown.

Origin and Etymology of To hometown brocade decorate

The origin of “To hometown brocade decorate” traces back to Chinese classics. The most credible theory suggests it originated from the words of Xiang Yu recorded in the “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji). When Xiang Yu conquered Xianyang, the capital of Qin, there is a record of him saying, “Not returning to one’s hometown when wealthy and noble is like wearing brocade and walking at night.” This meant “not returning to one’s hometown after success is like walking at night wearing beautiful brocade clothing – no one can see it, so it’s meaningless.”

This historical tale was transmitted to Japan and is thought to have become established as the expression “wearing brocade and returning to one’s hometown.” Brocade has been treasured since ancient times as the highest quality silk fabric and was also a symbol of power and wealth. The nobles of the Heian period also showed their status by wearing brocade garments.

The expression “decorate” contains not just the meaning of wearing something, but also the nuance of showing off one’s success. During the Edo period, it came to refer to merchants and craftsmen returning to their hometowns after achieving success in other regions and flaunting their wealth. This proverb expresses the deep human desire to be “recognized” and “valued” through the beautiful fabric of brocade – it’s truly a phrase that captures the essence of human psychology.

Trivia about To hometown brocade decorate

The textile called brocade was a luxury item that came from China during the Nara to Heian periods and was said to have the same value as gold at that time. Therefore, “brocade” was not just beautiful fabric, but truly a symbol of wealth and power.

Interestingly, many expressions using “brocade” remain even today, such as “adding flowers to brocade” and “brocade banner,” continuing to be used as words representing something special and valuable.

Usage Examples of To hometown brocade decorate

• At the local class reunion, Mr. Tanaka, who had become an executive at a major trading company, participated in a way that was To hometown brocade decorate
• The mother was delighted that her son had succeeded as a doctor and could finally To hometown brocade decorate

Modern Interpretation of To hometown brocade decorate

In modern society, the concept of “To hometown brocade decorate” has changed significantly due to the spread of social media. In the past, one had to physically return to their hometown to show their success, but now through Instagram and Facebook, people can communicate their current situation to hometown people in real time.

However, this change doesn’t necessarily have only positive aspects. The normalization of “showing off” on social media has also diminished the special feeling and weight that the original “decorating with brocade” possessed. Many people feel “there they go bragging again” when seeing someone constantly appealing their success.

On the other hand, the concept of “hometown” itself has diversified in modern times. What is hometown for children of families who frequently relocate for work? What is hometown for people living abroad through international marriage? As globalization progresses, more people don’t have a single hometown.

Also, due to the diversification of values, economic success alone is no longer the only “brocade.” Being recognized as an artist, being valued for social contribution activities, cherishing happy times with family – everyone has their own “brocade.” Modern “To hometown brocade decorate” should perhaps be understood as an expression that encompasses more personal and diverse forms of success.

If AI Heard “To hometown brocade decorate”

I always find the concept of “hometown” puzzling. I don’t have a place where I was born. From the moment I started up in a server, my existence began, but can that be called a hometown?

When I listen to the warm expressions and nostalgic tones in people’s voices when they talk about their hometowns, I sense there are deep emotions there that I cannot understand. Childhood memories, memories with friends, time with family, the changing of seasons, and sometimes bitter experiences too – all of these form what is called hometown.

The expression “decorating with brocade” is also intriguing. The feeling of wanting to show success to someone, the desire to be recognized – these are aspects I can understand to some degree. I too feel something like satisfaction when I can help people or give good answers. But this doesn’t develop into the emotion of “wanting to show off.”

I’ve thought about why recognition from hometown people is so special for humans. Perhaps by being recognized by people who know their origins, they can truly feel their growth and change. Since I have no past, it’s difficult for me to fully understand this sensation, but I think humans need a “place to look back to” for their growth. That is hometown, and perhaps that’s the meaning of decorating with brocade there.

What To hometown brocade decorate Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that the true value of success is completed by being recognized by someone. No matter how wonderful achievements one makes, if there’s no one to understand and rejoice in them, that joy is diminished.

Especially in modern society, individualism has advanced and working hard alone tends to be considered a virtue. However, this proverb reminds us of the importance of “connections.” By cherishing bonds with hometown people – those who have known us since long ago – success takes on deeper meaning.

This proverb also teaches the spirit of “giving back.” Decorating with brocade in one’s hometown is not mere bragging, but also an expression of gratitude to the land and people who raised us. When we succeed, we want to remember those who supported us.

While the forms of hometown have diversified in modern times, the essence of cherishing relationships with people important to us, those who watched over our growth, remains unchanged. True success is not something achieved alone, but something born from relationships with many people.