The apple of one's eye

"The apple of one's eye" means "one's favourite son or daughter". In Chinese, it is 'zhang shang ming zhu" or "the pearl on one's palm". As for Malay or Bahasa Melayu, it is "anak emas" or "golden child".

According to my analysis, Western people place great emphasis one fruit such as the apple which is the their favourite. It is healthy to take apples every day as the say goes "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". Hence their favourite children are liken to apples.

The Chinese are very much attached to jewels and precious stones such as diamonds and pearls. There is another expression which reads "zhu kwang pao qi" or the gas of pearls surround a girl. It is used to described a lady who is heavily ornamented with pearls and other precious stones. Therefore, their beloved children are the equals of pearls.

The Malays deem gold as very precious. In fact gold is used as currency in ancient times. In the nikah ceremony, "mas kahwin" or the gold of marriage (dowry to be exact) is mentioned. Hence, their favourite children is elevated to the level of gold.