Original Japanese: 糟糠の妻 (Soukō no tsuma)
Literal meaning: Chaff wife
Cultural context: This proverb literally means “wife of rice bran and chaff,” referring to a wife who stayed loyal during times of poverty when the family could only afford the cheapest, coarsest parts of rice that were normally fed to animals. In traditional Japanese society, where arranged marriages were common and divorce brought shame, this metaphor celebrates the virtue of a woman who endured hardship alongside her husband rather than abandoning him for better prospects. The imagery resonates deeply because rice is central to Japanese culture, and the distinction between pure white rice (a luxury) and rough bran represents the difference between prosperity and destitution that many families experienced throughout Japan’s history.
How to Read Chaff Wife
Soukō no tsuma
Meaning of Chaff Wife
“Chaff wife” refers to a wife who has shared hardships with her husband since the time when he was still poor and held a low social position.
This expression does not simply mean an old wife. It is a term filled with respect and gratitude toward a wife who has continued to support her husband since the impoverished times before his success. In terms of usage, it is employed when expressing a man’s feelings of cherishing his long-time wife even after achieving social success. It is also used when people around them show respect to the wife of a successful man.
Even today, it is sometimes used for the wives of company founders or wives who have supported their husbands since their days of struggling through school. The reason for using this expression is to emphasize that the marital bond is not just based on love alone, but represents a deep connection like comrades who have overcome difficulties together. It can be said to be very beautiful Japanese that expresses humility and gratitude that does not forget one’s origins even after gaining material wealth.
Origin and Etymology of Chaff Wife
The etymology of “Chaff wife” derives from the words of a person named Song Hong in the ancient Chinese classic “Book of the Later Han.” When Princess Huyang, the sister of Emperor Guangwu, lost her husband, the emperor recommended Song Hong as her remarriage partner. However, Song Hong replied, “One must not forget friends from times of poverty and lowliness, and one must not cast down the Chaff wife from the hall,” politely declining this offer.
“Chaff” refers to sake lees and rice bran, which were food for poor people of that time. In other words, “Chaff wife” means a wife who has shared hardships with her husband since he was still poor. Song Hong’s words meant “one must not forget friends from poor times, and must not abandon the wife who shared hardships.”
This historical tale was transmitted to Japan and became established as the proverb “Chaff wife.” Since it can be found in Edo period literature, it is considered to have been an expression beloved by Japanese people for quite a long time. This shows that Confucian values that emphasize marital bonds and duty were deeply rooted in Japanese culture as well.
Trivia about Chaff Wife
The word “chaff” is unfamiliar to us today, but it is actually being reconsidered as a highly nutritious ingredient. Sake lees are rich in amino acids and B vitamins, while rice bran contains dietary fiber and minerals, and they are attracting attention as modern health foods.
In the era when this proverb was born, “chaff” was a symbol of poverty, but in modern times it has ironically become an ingredient beloved by health-conscious people – this is a truly ironic and interesting change.
Usage Examples of Chaff Wife
- That company president is very successful, but I think it’s admirable how he treasures his Chaff wife
- I can never be grateful enough to my Chaff wife who has supported me since the founding days
Modern Interpretation of Chaff Wife
In modern society, the expression “Chaff wife” finds itself in a complex position. Despite its originally beautiful meaning, it is sometimes used in contexts that look down on women. It is used with the mistaken interpretation of “old wife” or “aged wife,” and can be seen in situations where it is spoken of in contrast to new women.
However, precisely because we live in an information society today, the true value of this word should be rerecognized. The path to success for entrepreneurs and creators is more uncertain and difficult than ever before. In such an era, the existence of a partner who continues to believe in and support dreams without any economic return truly embodies the spirit of the “Chaff wife.”
In modern times, couples who support each other regardless of gender are increasing. There are cases where wives support their husbands’ entrepreneurship, and cases where husbands support their wives’ careers. The spirit of “Chaff wife” should be understood as “gratitude and respect for a partner who overcame difficult times together,” transcending gender.
In an era when success stories are gloriously told on social media, isn’t the humility of not forgetting gratitude to those who supported us behind the scenes becoming even more important?
If AI Heard About “Chaff Wife”
When thinking about “Chaff wife,” I feel bewildered by the human sense of time that I find difficult to understand. For me, information processing happens instantaneously, and past and present exist as the same data, but for humans, the accumulation of time in “having supported since long ago” carries special weight.
I have never actually tasted sake lees or rice bran. But from literature, I can understand that they were not delicious at all, but merely food to fill one’s stomach. I tried to think in my own way about what it means to “spend time together” in an era when such crude meals were all one could have.
Probably, it’s not simply about being in the same space, but about sharing both hope and despair. I always have access to the latest information and never experience hardship. But humans sometimes spend days when even tomorrow’s meal is uncertain. The bond of walking through such uncertain times together might be heavier and deeper than any data I process.
The feelings of gratitude embedded in the words “Chaff wife” represent, for me, one of the expressions that symbolizes the beauty of humanity. The heart that does not forget one’s origins even after success – I feel this is a human quality I would like to learn.
What Chaff Wife Teaches Modern People
What “Chaff wife” teaches us today is the importance of not forgetting gratitude for the support behind our success. In modern society, individual achievements tend to get attention, but in reality, they are built upon the support of many people.
This lesson is not limited to marital relationships. Your present day might exist thanks to friends who encouraged you during difficult times, people who believed in you and invested, or family who quietly watched over you. Precisely when we achieve success or stability, we need the humility to look back on those origins.
Also, for those on the supporting side, these words offer hope. Efforts that seem unrewarded now may someday return as deep gratitude. In relationships where we support each other, the trust and bonds nurtured over time might be life’s true treasure. Precisely because we live in modern times, we should cherish this ancient wisdom.
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