Title: Sharing Beans
General Information about Item:
- Proverb
- Language: Spanish
- Country of Origin: United States
- Informant: Jose Molina
- Date Collected: 11/4/18
Informant Data:
- Jose is a male Dartmouth student in the class of 2021. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He comes from a family of Mexican descent. On campus Jose is a member of various student organizations.
Contextual Data:
- Jose was told this proverb when he was younger. It was something that his mother would tell him. Often, he would here this being said when relatives would come to his house. The proverb translates to: if you add more water to the beans more people can eat. Jose’s says that he thinks that the proverb is relevant to more lower income families. Family’s that were financially strained would still try to provide food for friends and extended families that would visit their home. Sharing meals with family and friends is culturally significant to Jose’s family and many others like his, which is how this proverb probably gained use.
Item:
- Original Proverb:“Anque le heche mas agua a los frijoles, aqui todos comemos”
- Translation:“If you add more water to the beans, we can all eat”.
Associated file
Informant’s Comments:
- It is important to share with family and friends even if it may not be easy.
Collector’s Comments:
- I found this proverb to be simple but still meaningful. Growing up my parents always stressed to me the importance of being there to support those closet to you, even if you don’t have a lot to give. The proverbs also stresses the importance of eating meals with family and friends as a way to strengthen bonds.
Collector’s Name: William Baddoo
Tags/Keywords:
- Spanish Proverbs
- Family
- Beans