The English language boasts thousands of fantastic proverbs, so why choose this well known saying over all the others?
thefreedictionary.com:
Rose-tinted glasses.
An unduly idealistic, optimistic, sentimental, or wistful perspective on or about something.
Often, aphorisms, proverbs, and sayings are born out of a need to express feelings for which there are no words. Sometimes, there is a word to describe that feeling, but it doesn't adequately express the complexity of the concept. The word 'nostalgia' is woefully inadequate in describing that yearning need for an imagined perfect past, that transient flash of warm remembrances and the simplicity of childhood. The idea of Seeing the world through rose tinted glasses gives shape to the insubstantial core of nostalgia, wrapping it up in an image that we can all envision.
As a daily victim of nostalgia, I often find myself wandering the golden paths of the past. The saying Rose Tinted Glasses resonates strongly with me for this reason, particularly in my poetry. I often draw on this well of memory to create the images in my verse. When wearing my rose tinted glasses the hyper-reality of nostalgia helps me paint a picture, not always a hundred percent accurate, but a reflection of my subconscious impressions. A bridge between the past and the present.
Before I get down to the poetry, I would like to briefly touch on the origins/etymology of this proverb.
One of the first recorded instances of this phrase used in the same context as it is in modern times, occurs in 1861 when it was recorded in 'Tom Brown at Oxford' by Thomas Hughes.
'Oxford was a sort of Utopia to the Captain. He continued to behold towers, and quadrangles, and chapels, through rose-colored glasses.'
There are further earlier instances of the proverbs usage in America. In 1834 Mary Boddington used the proverb in her book, 'Slight Reminiscences of the Rhine, Switzerland, and a Corner of Italy'.
O' the joy of blossoming life! What a delicious thing it is to be young, and to see everything through rose-coloured glasses; but with a wish to be pleased, and a certain sunniness of mind, more in our power than we imagine, we may look through them a long time. When the sun shines, and the earth holds a bright holiday, I still feel as if life and hope were all before me.
It is likely that the origins of this proverb stretch back even earlier. It is interesting to note, that it was a common practice in the 18th century to treat jaundice with tinted lenses of various colors. It is entirely possible that this is how the association between tinted lenses and perceiving things in 'a better light' came about.
The following poem is written based on memories of sunny days playing in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Childhood recollections, soaked in the light cast through rose-tinted glasses.
Rose tinted glasses.
I'm looking forward to reading some of the other entries and learning about proverbs from all around the world.🙂
hereIf you would like to join a fantastic community where we strive to help new steemians grow and develop, why not join me at #promo-mentors discord group which you can find . I am one of the poetry/fiction mentors over at #promo-mentors, if you have any questions or need any guidance with either of these tags please don't hesitate to ask for me, @raj808.
@Raj808 ... thank you :D this was perfect coming across today, lifted my spirits and had me grinning from ear to ear ... "that indescribable itch, of sweaty streaks from grass over knees and elbows".
Hi @blanca237. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the poem :-) It is a poem I wrote years a go but I re-wrote it heavily, to the point where you wouldn't recognize it from the original. The poem I wrote years ago had more verses but wasn't as tight as this. Lots of 'the' 'and' 'there' 'that' words. I had to give it a good old fashioned edit and I'm pleased with the improvement. Thanks for reading :-)
It's always a pleasure to read your posts, especially with my morning coffee or afternoon tea ;)
your drawing companion is nice interesting and interested. please vote yes
I have been voting yes all my life @zahril... But I think it's gonna have to be a No this time as I don't like spam on my sandwiches :-)
I also agree with the opinion regarding english @raj808
Thanks @khairilanwar90
What a wonderful post! I like looking at the world through rose coloured glasses. I don't ignore reality, but sometimes it is too intense for my sensitive self, so I do what I can, and try to look for the good in each moment, and in the memories as they come. I really enjoyed reading this, and the poem as well. :)
Very true @katrina-ariel, I am the same. It's not that I'm always looking back living in the past, but rather the 'rose tinted glasses' allow me to find that expression of wonder in my poetry. Looking at the world with a child's eye while considering the words and images for the poem with my adult mind ;-) Thanks for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed the article and poem.
That was a powerful one. Really informative. I mean this is sorta becoming a rose tint on my glass every time I read through it ;) . I really appreciate your entering, and the quality treatment you lended it. Good luck, buddy.
Thanks mate. I appreciate your feedback and so glad you enjoyed the 'rose tinted glasses' ;-)
Keep it coming! :)
Will do @lavidaesunviaje. There has been a blip in the matrix the past week, I shall take the blue pill and get back to writing ;-)
Nice one you got here.
"the sun an egg, nearly done"
Spectacular! I will think of you and this poem every time I see "Sunny side up" on a breakfast menu.
Ooh, and I love your historical asides!!! "One of the first recorded instances of this phrase..."
Love this!
Thanks Carol. That whole verse was always my favorite of the poem. It was the only part of this poem that wasn't edited at all ;-)
Wonderful poem. I loved it. Your pens’ got wings mate.
Thanks buddy. It's an oldie but a goodie ;-)