How to Read “血で血を洗う”
Chi de chi wo arau
Meaning of “血で血を洗う”
“Blood washes blood with blood” means that blood relatives or those bound by deep bonds cleanse each other’s sins, shame, and mistakes, and support one another.
The “blood” in this expression does not simply refer to physical blood, but symbolizes blood relationships and deep bonds. And “washing” is used to mean cleansing dirt and impurities. In other words, this is a proverb that expresses how family members and close companions forgive each other’s failures and mistakes, support each other, and overcome difficulties together.
The situations where this proverb is used are mainly when problems arise between family members or close friends, or when scandals occur within a clan or organization. It is used when showing an attitude of sharing responsibility with each other and working together toward a solution in situations where one cannot rely on outsiders and can only understand each other because they are family. Even today, the original beautiful meaning of these words is utilized when expressing the depth of family bonds or true friendship.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of the proverb “Blood washes blood with blood” actually traces back to Chinese classics. This expression is said to have come from the Chinese phrase “以血洗血” (yi xue xi xue) found in Chinese literature that was transmitted to Japan.
In ancient China, blood was considered to have sacred power to cleanse impurities. In particular, there existed a concept where those of the same bloodline would cleanse each other’s sins and shame. This was perceived as a sacred act, completely different from the “bloody conflicts” we might imagine today.
While the exact period when this expression was introduced to Japan is unclear, it is believed to have spread among Japanese intellectuals from the Heian to Kamakura periods, along with many other Chinese classics. In Japan of that time, blood relationships were also highly valued, and it was accepted as a word expressing family and clan bonds.
Interestingly, as this phrase became established in Japan, it came to have a broader meaning beyond mere blood relationships – expressing how those in deep trust relationships support each other. Even in samurai society, it was sometimes used to express master-servant relationships and bonds between comrades.
Usage Examples
- Since this is a problem caused by brothers, let’s solve it together with the intention of “Blood washes blood with blood”
- For family scandals, we can only overcome them by “Blood washes blood with blood,” supporting each other
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the expression “Blood washes blood with blood” is increasingly used with interpretations that differ greatly from its original meaning. Many people understand it to mean “bloody revenge” or “violent conflict,” and it is not uncommon for media to use it in such contexts.
Behind this misuse lies the change in language in today’s information society. With the spread of the internet and social media, opportunities to deeply learn the original meanings of proverbs have decreased, and there is a strong tendency to understand them based only on superficial impressions. In particular, violent images associated with the word “blood” take precedence, and the original meanings of “bonds” and “cleansing” tend to be lost.
However, precisely because we live in modern society, the original meaning of this proverb has increased in importance. As nuclear families become more common and regional communities become more diluted, the value of relationships bound by true bonds has increased. The attitude of companions in deep trust relationships supporting each other, not limited to blood relations, is an important concept in modern teamwork and organizational management.
In corporate crisis management and family problem-solving, the spirit that this proverb originally wanted to convey is the attitude of working together internally to find solutions rather than shifting responsibility to external parties.
When AI Hears This
The expression “washing blood with blood” contains a scientifically fascinating contradiction. When we examine blood composition, plasma is about 90% water, but the remaining 10% contains proteins and lipids that cannot be completely removed with water alone. In other words, blood physically cannot wash away blood.
This physical reality aligns remarkably with the psychological structure of revenge. According to psychological research, acts of revenge provide temporary satisfaction but never resolve the underlying anger or hatred. Instead, when people carry out revenge, their brains generate new fears of retaliation and feelings of guilt, which layer on top of the original negative emotions.
What’s particularly interesting is how humans tend to fall into the intuitive notion of “solving like with like.” We have this illusion that pain can be canceled out with pain, humiliation with humiliation. But in reality, just as trying to wash dirty blood with blood only spreads the stain, responding to hatred with hatred simply expands the emotional contamination.
The true insight of this proverb lies in how it superficially depicts a “cycle of revenge” while actually pointing to a crucial blind spot in human psychology: that using the same type of solution never addresses the root problem. It’s truly a masterpiece that expresses the dual nature of linguistic truth.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is what true bonds really are. Whether blood relationships or deep friendships, truly important relationships are born from having the resolve to accept each other’s weaknesses and mistakes and overcome them together.
In modern society, when problems arise, it has become easy to push responsibility onto others or cut off relationships. However, truly valuable relationships demonstrate their true worth especially during difficult times. Family problems, workplace troubles, conflicts with friends. Rather than running away at such times, the attitude of trying to find solutions together is what nurtures deep bonds.
Around you, there are surely people with whom you have “Blood washes blood with blood” relationships. They don’t necessarily have to be family members. People who deeply understand each other and can support one another. By cherishing such relationships and striving to become such a person yourself, life becomes richer and more meaningful. True bonds are nurtured over time.
Comments