Shanghai Proverbs

Shanghai proverbs are among the most renowned dialect proverbs in China. They are particularly prevalent in the Chenhang area of Shanghai, which has led some to refer to them as "Chenhang proverbs." In modern times, the first local collection of proverbs titled "Yueyan" was published in 1918, followed by the release of "Shanghai Proverbs" in 1921. As a distinguished compilation of folk wisdom in modern China, this collection garnered significant attention from scholars. The content spans a wide array of categories, including current affairs, self-cultivation, social interaction, daily life, hometown, production, and nature, reflecting the "rich wisdom and universal experience" of the local people across generations. The compiler, Hu Zude, hailed from Chenhang in Pudong, Shanghai. The book contains over 2,000 proverbs, primarily collected from the Chenhang area—a typical suburban rural region in Shanghai that serves as a microcosm of the evolution of traditional market towns and villages. Chenhang gradually developed into a city during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Since the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, it has been known by various names, including Chenjiahang, Chenhang Township, and Chenhang Town. Since October 2000, it has been under the jurisdiction of Pujiang Town in Minhang District. This area is also the hometown of Qin Yubo, the "City God of Shanghai County," and is known as the "hometown of wearing boots and a hat." The region has long been characterized by stable development and construction. Locals have traditionally "not ventured beyond Suzhou and Hangzhou for business, and scholars always stayed in their hometowns," leading to a relatively insular cultural environment. The people of Chenhang are known for their optimistic outlook on life and their witty expressions. Many in each village are skilled in both singing and storytelling. Chenhang proverbs, rooted in the daily lives of the people, are concise and witty, capturing local customs and traditions. These proverbs offer commentary on the good and evil, beauty and ugliness of the world, reflect personal joys and sorrows, and guide interpersonal relationships. They not only embody the unique charm of oral literature but also highlight the wisdom and virtues of the local community. Several generations of local scholars, known as "wensuxianweng," have meticulously recorded these proverbs, ensuring their orderly and in-depth transmission.

Many of the proverbs included in the 1921 "Shanghai Proverbs" remain popular and widely used in Chenhang today. These proverbs cover a broad spectrum of topics, including astronomy, meteorology, production, daily life, social phenomena, relationships between men and women, life experiences, exhortations, prayers, satire, and children's education. As society has developed and progressed, new proverbs have continued to emerge. In June 2007, Chenhang proverbs were recognized as part of the first batch of intangible cultural heritage in Shanghai.