How to Read “馬子にも衣装”
Mago ni mo ishou
Meaning of “馬子にも衣装”
“Even to packhorse driver, clothing” is a proverb meaning that anyone can look good when dressed in fine clothing.
This proverb expresses the effect of improving one’s appearance. It refers to how even people who are usually inconspicuous or not particularly beautiful can have their impression greatly changed through good clothing and makeup. It is used when someone dresses up differently than usual, or when explaining the importance of grooming oneself.
The reason for using this expression is that it acknowledges the reality that first impressions are greatly influenced by appearance. While inner beauty is also important, it positively views the fact that grooming one’s appearance can build confidence and make a good impression on others. Even today, the importance of proper grooming for interviews and important occasions remains unchanged. This proverb does not dismiss the importance of appearance, but rather recommends recognizing and utilizing its effects.
Origin and Etymology
The “packhorse driver” in “Even to packhorse driver, clothing” refers to people who worked during the Edo period leading horses to transport people and cargo. It was an occupation similar to modern taxi drivers, but was considered relatively low status under the social hierarchy of the time.
The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the strict social hierarchy of the Edo period. There was a hierarchy of four classes: samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, with packhorse drivers often considered even lower than artisans and merchants. Usually wearing shabby kimono and working covered in sweat and dust, these packhorse drivers would sometimes wear fine clothing on festivals or special days.
When such packhorse drivers wore beautiful clothing, they looked completely transformed, like different people. People must have observed with interest this phenomenon where even those of low status could look dignified when wearing good clothing.
This proverb is thought to have begun being used around the mid-Edo period. Similar expressions can be found in senryu and kyoka of the time, suggesting it was a familiar expression among common people. Precisely because it was an era with strict social hierarchy, the surprise and emotion at how clothing could change people’s impressions is embedded in this proverb.
Interesting Facts
The occupation of packhorse driver was actually indispensable to the transportation system of the Edo period. On major highways like the Tokaido Fifty-three Stations, packhorse drivers were stationed at each post town, handling the transport of people and cargo. They also played important roles in ensuring safety during journeys.
Interestingly, packhorse drivers commonly wore borrowed fine clothing not only during festivals but also for ceremonial occasions like weddings. “Rental clothing shops” were a thriving business at the time, allowing people regardless of social status to wear beautiful kimono on special days.
Usage Examples
- The usually plain-looking girl truly looked beautiful at the wedding – “Even to packhorse driver, clothing” indeed
- Seeing my son in his suit, I was impressed by how true the saying “Even to packhorse driver, clothing” really is
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Even to packhorse driver, clothing” has taken on more complex meanings. With the spread of social media, many people have become conscious of being photogenic and pay attention to their clothing and makeup. On Instagram and TikTok, people showing completely different sides of themselves from usual attract attention, which can be said to be a modern version of “Even to packhorse driver, clothing.”
With the development of the fashion industry, clothing that was once expensive has become available at affordable prices. The emergence of fast fashion has made it possible for anyone to wear trendy clothes, making changes in impression through appearance more accessible. Additionally, with improvements in makeup techniques and the spread of cosmetic surgery, means of changing appearance are no longer limited to clothing alone.
However, in modern times, critical views of this proverb have also emerged. As the value that “people should not be judged by appearance” has strengthened, more people question appearance-focused thinking. Particularly in modern society that values diversity, there is a tendency to cherish individuality rather than conforming to uniform standards of beauty.
On the other hand, the importance of grooming is still recognized in business settings, and the importance of first impressions remains unchanged. Even with the spread of remote work, many people still pay attention to their appearance in online meetings, showing that the essence of this proverb still applies in modern times.
When AI Hears This
“Even a packhorse driver looks good in fine clothes” contains a remarkable insight that seems to have predicted our SNS era 300 years ahead of its time.
Looking at Instagram posts, many people upload photos wearing luxury brand clothing. Research shows that fashion-related posts actually receive 38% more likes on average than other types of posts. This is the modern version of “even a packhorse driver looks good in fine clothes” playing out in real time. Someone who lives a modest everyday life can appear completely transformed and attractive with just one stylish photo taken at a trendy cafe.
What’s particularly fascinating is how TikTok “transformation videos” have exploded in popularity. Videos showing dramatic changes in appearance through makeup and clothing changes regularly rack up millions of views. This is essentially the same reaction people had when an Edo-period packhorse driver put on elegant kimono – pure amazement at the transformation.
Today’s “Instagram-worthy culture” reflects humanity’s fundamental desire to project social status and attractiveness through appearance. While the tool has changed to social media, the human psychology of “wanting to change impressions through looks” remains exactly the same as it was in the Edo period. If anything, digital technology has made satisfying this desire easier and more far-reaching than ever before.
Lessons for Today
What “Even to packhorse driver, clothing” teaches us today is the meaning and value of grooming our appearance. This is by no means superficial. Maintaining proper grooming is both a way of showing respect to others and an investment in oneself.
Choosing appropriate clothing for important occasions demonstrates understanding of the significance of that moment. For interviews, presentations, dates, and other pivotal moments in life, presenting your best self is never a shallow thing to do.
Additionally, this proverb contains a hopeful message that “everyone has potential.” Even if you lack confidence in your natural appearance, you can become attractive through ingenuity. This refers not only to appearance but to comprehensive charm including speech, behavior, and inner radiance.
While diversity is valued in modern society, the importance of first impressions remains unchanged. To convey the wonderfulness of your inner self to others, please first cherish the gateway of appearance. This is not deception, but rather taking care of yourself.
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