That the Russian is good, the German is dying: where does the expression come from?

In Russian there are many interesting expressions, proverbs and phraseological units. One of these sayings is the well-known phrase "What is good for a Russian, then for a German death". Where does the expression come from, what does it mean and how can it be interpreted?

The difference between Europe and Russia

It is known that the physical constitution of a person largely depends on the natural and climatic conditions in which society is forced to live. The European climate, like the Russian one, generates a corresponding character.

The climate in Europe is characterized by softness, moderation. The same was always the life of the peoples inhabiting these lands. The time when it was necessary to work was distributed evenly throughout the year. While the Russians were forced either to rest or to work beyond their strength.

The natural conditions of Russia can not be called soft. Short summer and a long cold winter made their contribution to what is commonly called the Russian soul. Forced to constantly fight with cold winters, the Russian man has a special character store, which can not be called a bit aggressive. In addition, the climate has a significant impact on the formation of the physiology of the nation. This must be borne in mind when explaining the meaning of the saying "What is good for a Russian, then for a German death." And of course, every nation has its own history, which affects the mentality of people, their way of life. The difference between the Western European countries and Russia in this case is very indicative.

The first version of the proverbial origin "What is good for a Russian, then for a German death"

This expression is used in everyday speech constantly. Saying the proverb, people do not think about its origin. "What is good for a Russian, then for a German is death" -who said this for the first time and where this phrase originated, no one will ever remember. Meanwhile, according to one version, its origins should hiccup in the history of Ancient Rus. One of the holidays in Russia was covered with a table rich in various delicious dishes. In addition, they brought traditional sauces, horseradish, as well as homemade mustard. The Russian hero tried it and with pleasure continued the feast. And when the German knight tried the mustard, he fell under the table dead.

Another version of the proverbial origin

"What is good for a Russian, then for a German death" - whose expression it was earlier, is difficult to say. There is an interesting story explaining the origin of the winged phrase. A doctor was called to the sick boy-master. He, having conducted an inspection, concluded that he had not long to live. The mother wanted to fulfill any last wish of the child, to which the young doctor allowed him to enjoy any food. After the child ate cabbage with pork, which the hostess prepared, he went on the mend.

Then a German child was invited to dinner, who suffered the same disease. When the doctor told him to eat cabbage with pork, the unexpected happened: the boy died the next day. The doctor made a note in his notebook: "What is good for a Russian, then for a German is death."

Russia will save the world

What else is the Russian mentality different , and so much so that it allows many great minds to call Russia Mother the savior of the world, in particular of Europe? Some differences are apparent even in private life. A good example is the banal habit of washing. Many Western historians can find notes proving that the Slavs have a steady habit of constantly pouring water on themselves. In other words, Russians are accustomed to washing in running water.

That the Russian is good, then the German - death, or Household habits of different peoples

To compare the historically established European and Russian morals, it is necessary to make a short digression into the past. In times of the Roman Empire, purity has always been a pledge not only for health, but for a full life. But when the Roman Empire broke up, everything changed. Famous Roman baths were left only in Italy, while the rest of Europe was amazed by its unscrupulousness. Some sources say that until the 12th century Europeans did not wash at all!

The case of Princess Anna

"That the Russian is good, the German is death" - this saying expresses the essence of the differences between representatives of different cultures and nations. An interesting incident occurred with Anna - the Kiev princess, who was to marry the king of France, Henry I. After her arrival in France, her first order was to take her to a bath. Despite the surprise, the courtiers, of course, carried out the order. However, this did not become a guarantee of getting rid of the princess's anger. She informed her father in a letter that he had sent her to a completely uncultured country. The girl noted that her inhabitants have terrible characters, and also disgusting domestic habits.

The price of uncleanliness

A surprise, similar to that experienced by Princess Anna, was expressed also by the Arabs and Byzantines during the Crusades. They were amazed not by the strength of the Christian spirit that the Europeans had, but by a completely different fact: the smell that a mile away from the crusaders. What happened afterwards, every schoolboy knows. In Europe, a terrible plague broke out, which claimed half the population. Thus, we can safely say that the main reason that helped the Slavs become one of the largest ethnic groups, to resist wars, genocide and famine, was cleanliness.

An interesting fact is that after Galichina fell under Polish rule, Russian baths completely disappeared in her. Even the art of perfumery arose in Europe with the aim of combating unpleasant odors. And this is reflected in the novel by the writer Patrick Zuskind "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer." In the book the author vividly describes what happened on the streets of Europe. All biological waste was drained from the windows directly onto the heads of passers-by.

Pharmacy legend

When November 4, 1794 Russian troops captured Prague, soldiers began to drink alcohol in one of the pharmacies. Having shared this alcohol with a German vet, they accidentally deprived him of life. After drinking a glass, he emitted a spirit. After this incident, Suvorov uttered a winged expression: "What is good for a Russian, then for a German is a shmerz", which in translation means "pain, suffering."

It should also be noted an interesting fact. Proverbs "What is good for the Russian, the German - death" in German does not exist. It is offensive, so it is better not to utter it in the presence of representatives of this people. For us it means the following: that one person can be useful, another will bring harm. In this sense, its analogue can serve as the well-known proverb "A stranger's soul - darkness" or "To each - its own."

It is also necessary to remember that earlier in Russia Germans were called not only by immigrants from Germany. This name was worn by all foreigners. Those who did not know local traditions, Russian customs and did not know how to speak Russian, were called dumb, or Germans. Because of this, they could fall into various comic, and sometimes unpleasant situations. Perhaps, this proverb was born as a result of such cases.

This phrase has a deep practical meaning. Very often people are unable to empathy. Knowingly the ethical feeling among children is considered gifted. But for adults, the ability to enter the position of another person and "try on his skin" is very important for successful interaction in society. This sense also has a Chinese proverb that states that one should not make hasty conclusions about a person and somehow judge him until the person who wants to make a judgment has spent a day in his shoes.

The fact that one will benefit, for the other is extremely undesirable. And maybe even deadly. Take, for example, common statements that it is not worth recommending to your relatives, friends, and acquaintances the medicines that helped you-they can not heal, but exacerbate the disease. And this too will help to fully realize the true meaning of the famous proverb, in which in fact there is not a single drop of nationalistic views.