The phenomenon of birds falling from the sky and fish leaping out of water is an unusual occurrence in nature. For example, one might witness a bird suddenly descending into one’s courtyard, only to find it injured. Or, in a pond, fish may inexplicably jump onto the shore, which is certainly out of the ordinary. While this may present an opportunity for an easy meal, our ancestors, from a spiritual perspective, would immediately advise their descendants to release these creatures back into their natural habitat.
According to folk beliefs, “birds falling from the sky and fish leaping to the shore” are omens of impending misfortune or disturbances. In nature, birds soar in the sky, and fish swim in the water; both are agile and clever creatures. Therefore, our ancestors interpreted these anomalies as going against the natural order of things and signaled potential disturbances in the surrounding environment, warranting caution and observation.
However, for the non-superstitious, these occurrences may be seen as ordinary, and they may choose to take advantage of the opportunity without any concern.
On a deeper level, this saying conveys a moral lesson that extends beyond mere superstition.
Easy come, easy go—is it really a blessing?
Our ancestors valued the fruits of labor and believed that true treasures were earned through hard work and perseverance. Conversely, they viewed sudden windfalls with suspicion, associating them with potential calamities.
“Birds falling from the sky” and “fish leaping to the shore” represent opportunities that are almost suspiciously convenient. In practical terms, our ancestors cautioned against compromising one’s principles for short-term gains. They understood that true value lies in effort and that genuine blessings rarely fall into one’s lap without any investment.
Self-restraint and humility: the hallmarks of a virtuous person
This proverb also hints at the dangers of greed. A wise person knows when to refrain from taking what is not rightfully theirs. A fallen bird or a leaping fish could be a sign of bad luck or belong to someone else. Indulging in such opportunities might bring unintended consequences and even cause harm to others.
By advising their descendants to live with “restraint” and “moderation,” our ancestors encouraged humility, prudence, and the ability to make discerning choices. They understood that true wisdom lies in recognizing potential pitfalls in seemingly advantageous situations and knowing when to step back and assess the bigger picture.
Living with virtue brings its rewards—goodness begets goodness
In essence, the saying, “Do not take what falls into your lap, nor eat what leaps to your shore,” reflects our ancestors’ compassion and moral uprightness. A fallen bird may be injured, and a leaping fish may be desperate. Instead of causing further harm, why not offer them a chance to survive and thrive?
