1.
gourd, calabash, bottle gourd
A plant of the gourd family with a distinctive narrow-waisted, hourglass shape when dried. Historically used as containers for water, sake, or medicine.
Cultural note
Gourds have deep cultural significance in Japan. 豊臣秀吉 famously used the 千成瓢箪 (thousand gourds) as his emblem, and gourds are considered a lucky symbol. They are also associated with the legendary figure 瓢箪から駒 (a horse from a gourd), a proverb meaning something unexpected actually comes true.
Proverb
- 瓢箪から駒: literally "a horse from a gourd" — something meant as a joke or impossibility actually happens
Usage
In modern Japanese, gourds are grown as a hobby and used decoratively. The distinctive shape is also used metaphorically — 瓢箪型 (gourd-shaped) describes anything with a narrow middle.