"Dichos & Sayings" - Student Art Exhibition Opening

Art Exhibition Opening Reception

Friday, March 5 2023 

6:00pm to 9:00pm

Hinovations Art Gallery

McAllen, Texas

Dichos are sayings or proverbs that are handed from generation to generation as a way to preserve and teach important aspects of cultural wisdom, insight and philosophy.   These sayings can become a big part of traditional culture.  Often they rhyme, and sometimes humor makes them more memorable.  

Heres a couple of Dichos and their menaing:

“Barking up the Wrong Tree” Means: Take the wrong approach or waste your efforts

Real meaning: This is an old saying that originates in America and refers to hunting dogs in the early 19th century. Hunted prey such as raccoons or bears would escape the dogs by climbing up trees. The dogs would then sit and bark at the base of the tree, waiting for their masters.

However, sometimes the dogs would lose the scent and select the wrong tree. They would still bark for their masters.

“Bite the Bullet” Means: Go through the pain and get on with it

Real meaning: There was no such thing as pain relief or anaesthesia in the 19th century. As a result, when soldiers were injured on the battlefield and needed treatment, they were given a bullet to bite down on to prevent them screaming out loud.

“Burning the Midnight Oil” Means: Working late into the night

Real meaning: Before the days of electricity, oil lamps were used for lighting a room. Hence, you were burning oil at midnight if you were working late.

“Es más facil que entre un elefante por el ojo de una aguja que un rico a la gloria”

(It is easier for an elephant to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter paradise).

“Dime con quien andas y te dire quien eres”

(Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are).

“Al mal paso darle prisa” “To a bad step, rush it!” Just like the kids say today, “Get over it!”