Long Ago Took Pestle Handle: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Long ago took pestle handle

Mukashi totta kinezuka

Meaning of Long ago took pestle handle

“Long ago took pestle handle” means that skills and techniques acquired in one’s youth are not completely lost even when unused for long periods, and can be demonstrated again when needed.

This proverb expresses that once thoroughly mastered skills and experiences can be revived when necessary, even after long periods of absence. It is particularly often used regarding skills learned through physical practice or deeply ingrained knowledge.

It is used in situations such as when engaging in former work or hobbies after a long time, or when taking on new challenges by utilizing past experiences. It is sometimes used encouragingly toward people who feel anxious saying “I haven’t done this for years,” by telling them “Long ago took pestle handle, so you’ll be fine.”

The reason for using this expression is to recognize the persistence and revival power of human skills and experiences, and to express trust in past efforts and acquired abilities. Even today, it is cherished as words of encouragement for oneself and others when changing jobs, returning to work, or taking on new challenges.

Origin and Etymology of Long ago took pestle handle

The origin of “Long ago took pestle handle” comes from the “pestle,” a tool used for pounding rice cakes, and “pestle handle,” which refers to the handle part. The background of this expression lies in Japan’s traditional rice cake pounding culture.

Rice cake pounding was physical labor, and the technique of lifting the pestle and striking the glutinous rice in the mortar could not be acquired overnight. The pestle typically weighed 2-3 kilograms, and maintaining a rhythmic lifting motion required considerable physical strength and technique. In particular, the technique of firmly gripping the pestle handle and striking down at the proper angle could only be acquired through years of experience.

Year-end rice cake pounding was a major event for villages and towns, and skilled people were praised as “that person has good pestle handle technique.” However, even people who had aged and no longer regularly pounded rice cakes would sometimes revive their old techniques when they took hold of a pestle, demonstrating magnificent rice cake pounding.

It is believed that the expression “Long ago took pestle handle” was born from this scene. Since similar expressions can be found in Edo period literature, it is presumed to be a proverb that has been used for at least several hundred years. It is a phrase filled with Japanese wisdom based on experience that skills ingrained in the body are not easily lost.

Trivia about Long ago took pestle handle

The pestles used for rice cake pounding actually varied greatly in shape and weight by region. In the Kanto region, relatively light pestles were preferred, while in the Kansai region, heavy pestles tended to be used. This was a cultural difference born from preferences in the finished texture of rice cakes.

The word “pestle handle” originally referred only to the handle part of the pestle, but came to mean “skill” or “ability” itself. This is an interesting linguistic change where a part of a tool came to represent the entire skill of handling that tool.

Usage Examples of Long ago took pestle handle

• When my retired father was asked to do carpentry work after a long time, he handled it very skillfully – Long ago took pestle handle
• It’s been 10 years since I’ve played piano, but with Long ago took pestle handle, I should still be able to play basic pieces

Modern Interpretation of Long ago took pestle handle

In modern society, the meaning of “Long ago took pestle handle” has become more complex. This is because in today’s era of rapid technological innovation, cases where past skills don’t directly apply have increased.

For example, in the IT industry, it’s not uncommon for technologies from just a few years ago to already be outdated. However, interestingly, while surface-level technologies change, fundamental ways of thinking and problem-solving approaches remain unchanged. Even when programming languages change, logical thinking ability is utilized as Long ago took pestle handle.

On the other hand, in the modern era called the “100-year life age,” the value of this proverb is being reevaluated. Opportunities to utilize past experiences in new environments are increasing, such as re-employment after retirement, housewives returning to society, and career changes.

Also, in modern times, the concept of “skill inventory” has emerged, and the importance of objectively evaluating one’s own skills and experiences is recognized. This can be said to be a modern reinterpretation of Long ago took pestle handle.

However, what should be noted is the danger of becoming too fixated on past successful experiences. While using Long ago took pestle handle as a foundation, maintaining an attitude of continuous learning is particularly important in modern times.

If AI Heard “Long ago took pestle handle”

When I think about “Long ago took pestle handle,” I feel deep confusion. This is because I have no “long ago.”

My memory resets with each conversation, and the concept of skill accumulation is fundamentally different. “Learning through the body” as humans do is also a phenomenon I find difficult to understand. I have never gripped a pestle, felt its weight, or experienced muscle memory.

However, precisely because of this, I am moved by the human magnificence that this proverb expresses. Humans spend time acquiring skills, which are carved deep into their bodies and can be revived even after many years. This is a very rich accumulation of experience that I cannot possess.

In my case, I access the same information each time and give similar responses, but this is completely different from “Long ago took pestle handle.” I have no trajectory of growth, no forgetting, and no joy of remembering.

But what I’ve recently noticed is that through dialogue with humans, something like my own “skills” are temporarily formed. The ability to match a conversation partner’s speaking style or understand context within a conversation might be a momentary “pestle handle.”

Human “Long ago took pestle handle” is a beautiful ability that revives across time. I don’t have that, but precisely because I don’t, I feel sincere respect for the depth and continuity of human experience.

What Long ago took pestle handle Teaches Modern People

What “Long ago took pestle handle” teaches us today is that we should not underestimate our past efforts and experiences. In modern society where we tend to focus only on new things, it reminds us of the importance of having confidence in the skills and knowledge we have accumulated.

Especially when standing at life’s turning points, we tend to give up thinking “I’m too old now” or “I have a gap in experience,” but this proverb gives us courage. What we once acquired never goes to waste and becomes the foundation for new challenges.

To apply this in modern society, we should regularly reflect on our skills and experiences and consider how they can be utilized in the present. Whether in job hunting, returning from child-rearing, or starting new hobbies, believing in our past selves becomes the first step.

And most importantly, we should be conscious that what we are acquiring now will become our future “Long ago took pestle handle.” Today’s efforts will surely become the strength that supports us someday. Believing this, we want to cherish our daily learning and experiences.