The origin of the expression
The basic version of the origin of this proverb is that in a traditional Russian family, it was decided to attach great importance to the process of food or liquid. Therefore, if the utensil intended for eating or drinking out, cracked, or received other damage, drinking or eating from it was considered a bad omen.
The emergence of the expression "From the person water not to drink" was based on the analogy between a person and utensils, which, like other elements of material wealth, were highly valued in predominantly poor Russian families. In those days medicine was not very developed, therefore, the common people often suffered from various diseases, including smallpox, which, after recovery, were left on the face of the ill person visible scars. In addition, hunting and field work quite often led to facial injuries, after which they leave marks.
Therefore, the expression "From the person water not to drink" was intended to emphasize that joint for a long stay, the beauty of the face, which is often interpreted simply as the absence of detectable markings after the illness or injury is not as important as the integrity of the vessels intended for drinking.
The use of the expression
The considered expression is widespread to characterize a person's appearance. So, it is actively used by writers and other literary figures who worked at different times. The use of this expression can be found in the works of such famous Russian writers as Anton Chekhov, Dmitry Mamin-Siberian, Vasily Shukshin, and others.
Another good point of this proverb is to change the ending in one of the words: in this case, its pronounce as "From the person water not to drink." Finally, the common option is a saying with the changed word order: "a person is not to drink water". Preference for one option or the other Proverbs in Russia has a specific geographic reference.
To convey the meaning that is taken to invest in this saying, in the Russian language there are other expressions, which, however, are less widespread. For example, these include the sayings "don't look for beauty, seek goodness,
"Beauty to the crown, and the mind to the end." It is noteworthy that they, in addition to the denial of the importance of visual appeal for marriage, emphasize the importance of other advantages.