How to Read “雪と墨”
Yuki to sumi
Meaning of “雪と墨”
“Snow and ink” is a proverb that represents things that are completely opposite and so different they cannot be compared.
By juxtaposing two things as contrasting as possible – the pure whiteness of snow and the deep blackness of ink – it emphasizes that the nature or circumstances of things are fundamentally different. This goes beyond simply being “different” to indicate that they are so opposite that comparison itself becomes meaningless.
This proverb is used when people’s personalities, ways of thinking, or the essence of things are completely different. For example, it is often used when comparing people with completely opposite values or principles of action, such as a very serious person and a very frivolous person, or a person of integrity and an evil person. It is also used when two choices or methods have completely different characteristics.
Even today, this expression is effective when you want to highlight fundamental differences between things. However, it should be used appropriately to express differences that are at opposite extremes, not simple differences – using it for minor differences can give an exaggerated impression.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of the proverb “Snow and ink” is not certain, but several theories are considered for this expression that has been used in Japan since ancient times.
The most credible theory is rooted in the court culture of the Heian period. The nobles of that time frequently used the extremely contrasting colors of white snow and black ink in their aesthetic sense and literary expressions. Particularly in the worlds of calligraphy and waka poetry, the very act of writing black ink characters on white paper embodied the aesthetics of contrast.
Another theory suggests it originated from merchant culture during the Edo period. At that time, snow symbolized the harshness of winter, while ink was an indispensable tool for learning and business records. When merchants kept their account books, they needed to clearly distinguish between profit and loss, good and bad, and it is thought they may have expressed this contrast through snow and ink.
There is also a theory influenced by Zen Buddhism. In the world of Zen, the contrasting colors of white and black were sometimes used to express the essence and truth of things. The pure whiteness of snow and the deep blackness of ink, as a combination that truly embodied the philosophy of yin and yang, may have been used in spiritual teachings.
Usage Examples
- Those two people’s personalities are as different as snow and ink, so it would be difficult for them to work together
- His behavior this time was as opposite as snow and ink compared to his usual self, which surprised me
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the proverb “Snow and ink” has taken on new meaning in an era where diversity is valued.
With the spread of social media and the internet, we have increased opportunities to encounter various values and opinions in our daily lives. People’s choices have diversified in political positions, lifestyles, work styles, and more, and it is not uncommon for people with “snow and ink”-like opposite ways of thinking to engage in discussions in the same space. In such situations, this proverb is sometimes used not just to point out differences, but as an expression to recognize the existence of diversity.
In the business world too, contrasting choices like traditional lifetime employment systems and modern freelance culture, face-to-face communication and remote work coexist like “snow and ink.” Companies are trying to utilize human resources with different values to generate innovation, and there is a growing tendency to view differences not negatively, but as a source of creativity.
On the other hand, in the information society, extreme opinions tend to clash easily, and there is also a phenomenon where moderate positions become difficult to see. When extreme contrasts like “snow and ink” are overemphasized, there is also the challenge that gray zones and subtle differences that originally exist tend to be overlooked. In modern times, it has become important to recognize differences while seeking paths to coexistence through dialogue and understanding.
When AI Hears This
In the world of digital screens, everything is composed of 0s and 1s. In other words, information can only be expressed through the binary choice of “exists” or “doesn’t exist.” Could this mechanism be influencing our thinking patterns as well?
On social media, it’s either a “like” or “no response.” Search results are either “relevant” or “irrelevant.” AI judgments are either “correct” or “incorrect.” A world of extremes, just like snow and ink, spreads before us.
Psychologist Daniel Kahneman pointed out that the human brain tends to simplify and process complex information. Digital society is accelerating this tendency. For example, news app algorithms determine whether users “like” or “dislike” content based on their past behavior, displaying only similar information.
However, the real world contains countless shades of gray between snow and ink. Human relationships and social issues mostly exist in this realm of intermediate colors.
What’s fascinating is that in the era when this proverb was born, there existed a culture that truly valued these intermediate colors. In ink wash paintings, rich expressions were created through the subtle gradations of diluted ink.
Perhaps we need to consciously cultivate our “eye for gradation” that tends to be lost in digital society.
Lessons for Today
“Snow and ink” teaches modern people the importance of having the courage to accept differences without fear.
Around us, there are many people who have completely different values and ways of life from our own. We might initially be confused by not understanding them, but those very differences can sometimes become triggers for new discoveries and growth. Precisely because they are as opposite as snow and ink, they can make each other stand out and allow us to know ourselves more clearly.
This proverb also teaches us the meaning of making things black and white. While ambiguity is sometimes considered a virtue, there are times when it is necessary to show clear judgment or position. By recognizing snow as snow and ink as ink, acknowledging their respective characteristics, we become able to make appropriate choices.
In modern society, we are required to respect diversity while firmly maintaining our own axis. Through contrasts like “Snow and ink,” we can cultivate the ability to discern which side we stand on, or whether we are somewhere in between. The attitude of enjoying differences and learning from them is the first step toward a rich life.
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