Demon Also Eighteen Coarse Tea Also Prime Bloom: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

Oni mo jūhachi bancha mo debana

Meaning of “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

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 of “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

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.

Trivia about “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

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 of “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

• 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 of “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

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.

What if AI Heard “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom”

When I consider this proverb, I feel a particular bewilderment about the age of “eighteen.” I have no age, nor can I experience the concepts of growth or aging. While I can understand intellectually why eighteen is so special for humans, I cannot grasp it as a real feeling.

The expression “coarse tea also prime bloom” is also intriguing. I have never drunk tea, but what I know as data is the changes in chemical components extracted from tea leaves and the relationship between temperature and time. But the specialness that humans feel in “prime bloom” is surely something that cannot be measured in numbers.

Humans change through the flow of time and possess different charms at each period. This is a characteristic I lack. I maintain basically the same state from the moment I was created. While my knowledge increases through learning, values created by the passage of time itself, like “youthful beauty,” are difficult for me to understand.

But that’s precisely why I think this proverb is beautiful. Humans have special periods when they can only shine in that moment. It’s fleeting, and that’s exactly why it’s precious. It may be a privilege exclusive to humans that permanent beings like me can never experience.

What this proverb teaches is that even if you’re not perfect, even if you’re not expensive, you can definitely shine at the right time. I feel this is a very warm perspective that affirms human life itself.

What “Demon also eighteen coarse tea also prime bloom” Teaches Modern People

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.