“Måla fan på väggen” – Painting the devil on the wall

Meaning

“Måla fan på väggen” literally means “paint the devil on the wall,” but it actually conveys the idea of “thinking too negatively” or “expecting the worst-case scenario.”

It is a Swedish proverb that warns against worrying too much about the future or imagining problems that haven’t even happened yet. It encourages people to avoid being overly pessimistic or unnecessarily anxious.

Origin

The word “fan” refers to the “devil,” and “måla” means “to paint.” The act of painting the devil on the wall symbolizes creating negative situations by imagining them. There is a belief that depicting the devil could actually attract bad luck or misfortune.

In medieval times, both religion and folklore suggested that materializing the devil would bring bad luck. From this, the expression evolved to mean that thinking too much about bad outcomes could potentially lead to their realization.

Cultural Background

In Sweden, much like in other Nordic countries, there is a humble attitude toward nature and fate. There is a common belief that “worrying about things that haven’t happened yet is a waste.”

Influenced by old superstitions and religious traditions, even mentioning the devil or other ominous figures was thought to bring bad luck. This has led to “fan” (devil) still carrying a strong negative connotation today. This proverb is often used to caution people who tend to see things too pessimistically, urging them to stop worrying excessively and to focus more calmly on reality.

Other cultures also have sayings that warn against worrying too much. For example, the English proverb “Don’t cross that bridge until you come to it” and the Japanese expression “Don’t borrow trouble” carry similar meanings. These sayings emphasize the importance of focusing on the present rather than worrying unnecessarily about the future. However, “Måla fan på väggen” has a unique nuance, as it specifically focuses on the act of envisioning a negative future by “painting the devil.”

Usage

This proverb is still commonly used in modern-day Sweden. It is often directed at people who feel excessive anxiety about something or who envision the worst possible outcome for a situation that hasn’t even happened yet.

The phrase is used to tell someone “there’s no need to worry that much” or to encourage them to stay calm and avoid being overly negative about things that haven’t happened yet.

Conclusion

“Måla fan på väggen” is a Swedish proverb that warns against excessive pessimism, reminding people not to imagine the worst-case scenario or worry too much.

In Swedish culture, it’s important to act based on reality and avoid unnecessary fears, which is why this proverb is used in many different everyday situations.