చింతలు పూస్తే సిరులు, మామిళ్ళు పూస్తే మరణాలు

chintalu puste sirulu, mamillu puste maranalu

Translation

If tamarind trees bloom, it leads to riches; if mango trees bloom, it leads to deaths.

Meaning

This is a traditional agricultural proverb related to seasonal weather patterns. It suggests that a heavy tamarind bloom indicates a good harvest year (prosperity), whereas an excessive mango bloom often correlates with heatwaves or droughts, which historically led to famines or health issues.

Related Phrases

The wedding locket, the beads, and the turmeric are all just for the sake of sanctity.

This expression is typically used to describe a situation where one performs duties or maintains appearances solely for the sake of tradition, honor, or sanctity, often implying that there is no deeper benefit or joy beyond fulfilling the basic requirements of a role or relationship. It highlights the sacrifices made to uphold the sacredness of a bond.

Tamarind for famine, mangoes for the season

This proverb highlights nature's balance and agricultural wisdom. Tamarind trees are drought-resistant and provide food during famines (scarcity), whereas mangoes flourish during their specific season (abundance). It suggests that different things serve different purposes depending on the circumstances, and that one should be prepared for both good and bad times.

If mangoes yield, smallpox will be plenty.

This is a traditional folk saying that links a heavy mango harvest season (summer) with the prevalence of diseases like smallpox or heat-related ailments. It reflects the observation that the intense heat required for mangoes to ripen also creates an environment where contagious diseases spread more easily.

Mangoes bloom during good times, tamarinds bloom during bad times.

This proverb suggests that positive and sweet experiences (symbolized by mangoes) arrive during prosperous or favorable periods, whereas sour struggles and worries (symbolized by tamarinds/worries, as 'chinta' means both tamarind and worry in Telugu) are prevalent during difficult times. It is used to describe the cyclic nature of fortune and misfortune.

Death for mangoes, wealth for tamarind.

This is a traditional agricultural observation or weather-based proverb. It suggests that a year with excessive heat or specific weather conditions might lead to a poor mango harvest (symbolized as death/failure), while simultaneously being perfect for a bountiful tamarind harvest (symbolized as wealth/success). It is used to describe how certain conditions can be unfavorable for one thing but highly beneficial for another.

A thread of cotton and a cheap coin's worth of wedding locket.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or a very minimalist, humble lifestyle. It literally refers to a marriage conducted with the barest of essentials—just a simple thread and the cheapest possible ornament—signifying someone who has no material wealth or possessions.

Like forgetting to tie the sacred thread in the rush of the wedding.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone gets so caught up in the minor details or the chaotic atmosphere of an event that they forget the most essential or primary task. It highlights a lack of focus on the main objective despite much activity.

When the whole village bloomed with onions, the dalit hamlet bloomed with jasmine.

This proverb is used to describe a person who behaves contrary to the general trend or logic of their surroundings. It highlights an ironic or defiant situation where someone claims or exhibits something high-end or beautiful (jasmine) while everyone else is dealing with something common or pungent (onions).

If there are rains, there are crops; if not, there are fires.

This proverb highlights the critical importance of rainfall for agriculture. It signifies that timely rains lead to prosperity and food security (crops), whereas a lack of rain leads to drought, starvation, and economic devastation (metaphorically referred to as fires/suffering).

Mangoes bloom in good times, tamarinds bloom in bad times.

This proverb highlights how nature and life reflect one's fortune. It suggests that during prosperous times (good seasons), one enjoys sweet results like mangoes, whereas during difficult periods (famine or bad seasons), only sour or hardy results like tamarind are found. It is used to describe the cyclic nature of prosperity and hardship.