How to Read “鬼も十八番茶も出花”
Oni mo jūhachi bancha mo debana
Meaning of “鬼も十八番茶も出花”
This proverb means that no matter how unattractive a person may be, they will appear charming when they reach the right age, and no matter how humble something may be, it will shine beautifully during its prime season.
In other words, it teaches us that people and things all have a time when their charm shines brightest. Even a fearsome “demon” can appear beautiful when it reaches the age of eighteen, and even “bancha,” a common people’s tea, can offer wonderful aroma and flavor during its “prime bloom” when freshly brewed.
This proverb is often used especially when expressing the beauty of young women, employed in situations that celebrate the special charm of youth. It also contains an encouraging meaning that even things that may appear to have low value can demonstrate their true worth when the right timing and conditions are met. Even today, it is understood as a warm message conveying that everyone has their time to shine.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of this proverb, there are actually multiple theories. The most commonly known is the theory that it originated from common people’s culture during the Edo period.
The “demon also eighteen” part was used to mean that even the ugliest demon would appear reasonably beautiful when it reached the age of eighteen. This represents how people of that time found beauty in youth itself.
On the other hand, “prime bloom” in “coarse tea also prime bloom” refers to the first brewing when making tea. While bancha is not a high-grade tea leaf, during the prime bloom period when freshly brewed, both its aroma and taste are at their best. In other words, it conveys the meaning that even things usually considered to have low value can display wonderful charm when the timing is right.
It is believed that by combining these two expressions, it became established as a proverb expressing the importance of youthful beauty and the prime season. It’s a very human proverb that strongly reflects the life sensibilities and aesthetic consciousness of Edo period people. It seems to have been particularly often used when speaking about women’s beauty.
Interesting Facts
The “bancha” that appears in this proverb was actually a daily beverage for common people during the Edo period. Unlike high-grade matcha or sencha, it was low-grade and inexpensive tea leaves, but even so, the first brewing when freshly made was aromatic and represented a modest luxury for common people.
Interestingly, the age of “eighteen” was treated as much more adult than in modern times. In the Edo period, it was considered marriageable age and an important milestone in a woman’s life, so it’s thought to have been chosen as an age with special meaning in this proverb.
Usage Examples
- Now that girl has turned eighteen, it’s like “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom” – she suddenly appears beautiful
- My daughter has finally reached that age too – as they say, “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, changes can be seen in the interpretation of this proverb. While it was once mainly used to express the physical beauty of young women, it is now more often understood in a more inclusive sense that everyone, regardless of gender, has their time to shine.
In the modern era with developed SNS and media, beauty standards have also diversified, and the way we perceive charm by age has changed. Rather than being fixated on the specific age of eighteen, the idea has spread that different charms bloom at various stages of life.
Additionally, the “coarse tea also prime bloom” part is also applied in modern business scenes. Even seemingly plain products or services can achieve great success with proper timing and marketing. This connects with the essence of this proverb – that even humble things can demonstrate value during their prime season.
On the other hand, as criticism of appearance-focused attitudes increases in modern times, there are voices questioning the superficial interpretation of this proverb. However, the original positive message that “all things have their time to shine” may be exactly the kind of thinking modern people need. In contemporary society that values diversity, this proverb is finding new value.
When AI Hears This
The true beauty of this proverb lies in the exquisite choice of “oni” (demons) and “bancha” (coarse tea). Demons represent the most fearsome monsters, while bancha is the lowest quality tea leaf. Yet the Japanese found a common thread between these two: the brevity of their prime.
The concept of an eighteen-year-old demon is masterful. Here’s a supernatural being that lives forever, yet has only one year of beauty—a beautiful contradiction. This paradox strikes at the heart of Japanese aesthetics: the sensitivity to find irreplaceable beauty not in perfection, but precisely in flawed things.
The “first bloom” of bancha carries the same poignancy. Fine tea being beautiful is expected, but the fleeting moment when humble bancha releases its aroma—placing value on such transience echoes the sentiment of cherishing cherry blossoms as they fall.
What this proverb reveals is a Japanese worldview filled with compassion. It’s the gentle belief that even ugly or worthless things have their moment to shine. At the same time, it embodies the Buddhist concept of impermanence—that no beauty lasts forever. While a perfect beauty’s attractiveness is taken for granted, appreciating the beauty of demons or coarse tea requires the observer’s imagination and affection. This proverb is a masterpiece that elevates Japan’s delicate and embracing aesthetic sensibility into linguistic art.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is that everyone definitely has moments when they can shine. Even if you can’t have confidence in yourself now, there’s no need to rush. Everyone has different times when they bloom.
What’s important is not missing your own “prime bloom” period. And also watching others’ shining moments with warm eyes. You might sometimes feel down comparing yourself to others on social media, but your special time will definitely come.
Additionally, this proverb teaches us that “even humble things have value.” It’s not only luxury items or perfect things that have worth. Even familiar and simple things like bancha can display wonderful charm when the right conditions are met.
In modern society, we tend to be pressured for immediate results, but this proverb reminds us of the importance of “timing.” Now might be a time of preparation. But surely, your moment to shine will come. Until then, let’s carefully nurture our authentic selves.
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