పెద్ద కొడుకు పెండ్లి, అసుర భోజనం

pedda koduku pendli, asura bhojanam

Translation

The eldest son's marriage, and the giant's dinner.

Meaning

This proverb is used to describe a situation that is chaotic, unorganized, or characterized by excessive haste and lack of discipline. It refers to an event where, due to mismanagement or overwhelming crowds, the food is consumed greedily or served in a disorderly fashion, much like a feast of demons.

Notes

A giant had to be supplied with a man daily by the villagers in turn. ( See Vikramârka Tales in Telugu Selections Page 41. ) A happy event and a great misfortune coming together.

Related Phrases

The day after the marriage the goddess of misfortune appeared in the face of the bridegroom. The bridegroom looked a poor creature when stripped of all his finery.

This expression is used to describe someone who looks unusually gloomy, dull, or miserable during a time that is supposed to be joyful or celebratory. 'Peddamma' (Jyestha Devi) symbolizes misfortune or lethargy, contrasting with the expected happiness of a newlywed.

At God's wedding, everyone is an elder/leader.

This proverb is used to describe a situation where there is no clear authority, hierarchy, or organization because everyone involved considers themselves to be in charge. It is often applied to chaotic events where everyone is giving orders but no one is following them.

An over-eager groom followed the wedding guests.

This proverb is used to describe a person who is so impatient or overly excited to achieve a goal that they act foolishly or lose their sense of dignity. It satirizes someone who lacks self-control and behaves inappropriately due to their over-enthusiasm.

A widow's son is a son, a king's son is a son. A king's son and a widow's son are both greatly indulged.

This proverb highlights that fate or luck favors two extremes: either those who have nothing to lose and must work extremely hard (the widow's son) or those who are born with immense privilege (the king's son). It is used to describe how people at the very bottom of the social ladder and the very top often end up being the most successful or influential, albeit for different reasons.

Eating when the appetite is satisfied; unfaithfulness to a wife. Both bad.

This proverb highlights the futility and lack of enjoyment in doing things at the wrong time or in the wrong context. Eating when one is not hungry is tasteless and forced, much like the absurdity and pointlessness of treating one's own wife as a prostitute. It is used to describe actions that lack purpose, desire, or natural fulfillment.

The man in front is the bridegroom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone chooses the most immediate or obvious option available because they lack the time, patience, or resources to look for a better alternative. It implies settling for what is right in front of one's eyes.

Dining with the son-in-law, studying with the son.

This proverb highlights the traditional social dynamics where a son-in-law is treated with great hospitality and formality, making dining together a celebratory or respectful event. In contrast, a father is expected to be deeply involved in his son's education and discipline. It implies that certain relationships are best suited for specific activities based on the roles and expectations within a family.

Three sessions, but only one meal.

This expression is used to describe a state of extreme poverty or scarcity. It refers to a situation where despite the day having three natural meal times (morning, afternoon, and night), a person can only afford or find enough food to eat once.

O Brahman! if you have brought food, eat it. Said to a selfish man who bores others by talking everlastingly of his own concerns.

This expression refers to a situation where someone is formally invited to do something they were already prepared or going to do anyway. It is used to describe a redundant or unnecessary invitation, or when someone tries to take credit for an action that the other person was already committed to performing.

* Corpo satollo non crede al digtuno, 20 ( 153 )

The one who is right in front is the bridegroom.

This expression is used to describe a situation where someone chooses an option or person simply because they are immediately available or convenient at that moment, rather than looking for the most qualified or ideal choice. It implies making a decision based on proximity or presence rather than merit.