Meaning & Analysis
This is an ironic statement. Since the Devil is the embodiment of evil in Christian theology, he would intensely hate holy water, a substance blessed for sacred and protective purposes. Therefore, to say the Devil 'loves' holy water means he absolutely abhors it.
Insights
Absolute Aversion
The proverb is used as a simile to describe a relationship of absolute and fundamental aversion. It signifies a natural, inherent, and unchangeable antipathy between two entities, concepts, or individuals.
Ironic Dislike
It functions as a sarcastic expression of dislike or hatred. By stating the opposite of the truth, the proverb ironically emphasizes the true depth of the negative feeling, making it more forceful and witty.
Repulsion from Purity
The proverb illustrates the repulsion of a corrupt or evil force when confronted with purity, virtue, or truth. The 'Devil' can symbolize any negative influence, while 'holy water' can represent any cleansing or righteous element that naturally repels it.
Theological Symbolism
Rooted in Christian theology, the proverb relies on the symbolic power of holy water as a sacramental used to bless, protect, and exorcise demonic forces. Its meaning is contingent on a shared cultural understanding of the fundamental opposition between the sacred (holy water) and the profane (the Devil).
Psychological Irony
The proverb employs a potent ironic inversion to express intense dislike. This rhetorical strategy, also seen in parallels like 'a cat loves mustard', allows for the expression of strong negative sentiment through a witty, indirect, and more memorable formulation than a direct statement of hatred.
Folklore and Literary Trope
The imagery of a malevolent entity being repelled by a pure or sacred substance is a foundational trope in folklore and literature. This proverb serves as a concise, vernacular expression of this enduring narrative, capturing a complex theological concept in a simple, powerful simile.
Rhetorical Devices
Irony
The core of the proverb is its use of irony, where the stated meaning ('loves') is the complete opposite of the intended meaning (hates), creating a powerful, emphatic effect.
Simile
The proverb is structured as a simile ('As the Devil...'), creating a comparison to express the highest possible degree of hatred or aversion.
Symbolism
The 'Devil' and 'holy water' are potent symbols representing the ultimate conflict between evil and good, or corruption and purity. Their clash gives the proverb its deep cultural and emotional resonance.
Transcription
Quotations
They dyd flee fro hym, as the deuyll fro holy water.
The deuyl is afrayed of holy water.
Remember by the olde Prouerbe, how well the Diuell loueth holy water.
Faythe I loue thee yes as ye deuyll does freirs holye water.
The prouerbe sayes, the Deuill loues no holy water.
To shun as the devil doth the cross, viz. to abhor any thing perfectly; The English say . . to love any thing as the devil loves holy water.
To love one as the Devil loves holy-water, or as the cat loves mustard.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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