Interpreting visual images of proverbs is subjective, but familiarity with the depicted proverb helps. Whenever known, the origin of the phrase or proverb is noted. It has been paraphrased in English as the proverb "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts". Moreover, it has a meaning of a proverb, tabooed tale, or foreseeing tale. The legal meaning could be an extension of the usage of the old proverb. A common Japanese proverb refers to a preference for practical things rather than aesthetics. The proverb has been attributed to African cultures. It has become a proverb in English. The principal subjects are proverb and peasant scenes of his father. In other languages and cultures, the definition of "proverb" also differs from English. It is often not possible to trace the direction of borrowing a proverb between languages. Verba volant, scripta manent is a Latin proverb. For example, one might say to refer to the proverb . The exact origin of this proverb is unknown and its form has evolved over time. The earliest recorded use of the proverb was in the early 16th century.