Uzbekistan state world languages university d. U. Ashurova m. R. Galieva

proverbs reflecting customs and traditions

Many proverbs reflect different national traditions and customs. For example: Good wine needs no bush. This proverb reflects an ancient English custom. In the past, English wine merchants used to hang some ivy bushes or a picture of ivy bushes on their doors as a sign of wine selling. But some merchants’ wine was so good and popular that it needn’t any labelling.

Some proverbs are related to ancient people’s deeply rooted beliefs and superstitions. For example, in the past, English people believed that spilled salt brings misfortune and bad luck. This superstition is reflected in the proverb: Help me to salt and you help me to sorrow. According to another popular superstition, it is unlucky to marry in May: marry in May, rue for aye. The proverb One for sorrow; two for mirth; three for a wedding; four for a birth reflects English superstition, according to which the number of magpies seen on a particular occasion portends either sadness, or happiness and joy.

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