African Proverb of the Month
Nov 2007
Kushayw'edonsayo. (Zulu).
The lead cow (the one in front) gets whipped the most. (English)
Zulu (South Africa, Swaziland) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
When they plough the fields, usually using four or six oxen, farmers choose a lead cow. This lead cow is in the front so she can make sure that the rest follow her and that everything is done just right. The farmers watch her the most, and if anything goes wrong, she, and not so much the rest, always gets the whipping.
This Zulu proverb reflects the idea that whoever does the most difficult job gets blamed for everything that goes wrong on the job. It does not matter if she or he is the actual culprit. So the teaching of this South African and Swaziland proverb is that the most pressure is on the leader(s).
Biblical Parallels
Moses was a humble, godly 80-year-old servant. He did everything as right as he could between God and humans. Through his obedience, and by faith, He successfully led the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. That in itself was a miracle. Many miracles followed the Israelites, but they easily forgot and disobeyed God. Moses would ask God to forgive them and all would be fine. Soon they would murmur Exodus 16:2 and murmur Exodus 16:12 and murmur Exodus 17:3. It got to Moses' nerves one day. He was so angry that he struck the rock twice, instead of once as the Lord had said. The result was Numbers 20:12:"But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust in me to show my holiness before the eyes of the Israelites therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.'"
That brings to mind the verse: "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded" (Luke 12:48). It seems like Moses was expected to be spiritual all the time
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
Following the meaning of this Zulu Proverb most of the pressure is on leader(s) whether it be in government, business, the church, and society in general. In our society today there is a lot of murmuring and condemnation of those in leadership. Even in our churches the pastor and other leaders get a lot of criticism. People tend to miss their past bondages and refuse to accept change. Before murmuring why not pray for your leaders according to 1 Timothy 2:1-4? Before murmuring why not trust God the Omniscient?
Mrs. Jani Carter (uMaMhlongo)
828 Mechanic Street
Emporia, KS 66801 USA
E-mail: janal40@cableone.net
African Proverb of the Month
Oct, 2007
Nyansapö, kwasea ntumi nsane gye sé nyansafoö. (Akan).
The knot of wisdom a fool cannot untie; it takes a wise person. (Literal English Translation)
Only a wise person can solve a difficult problem. (Figurative English Translation).
Akan (Ghana) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
This photograph of an Akan gold weight represents one of the Akan knots of wisdom called Suman. These are the most popular charms used in the various religious cults of the Ashanti People and are worn for good luck. This gold weight is in the shape of the ancient scepter of the Akan queen-mother. The knot here is called Nyansa pö ("the knot of wisdom"). This shows coils of rope tied in complex knots. See further information in Ashanti Gold Weights by E. de Kolb, published by Gallery d'Hautbarr. The saying that this gold weight represents is a well known Twi (Akan) proverb: The knot of wisdom a fool cannot untie; it takes a wise person. This could be a parallel to the legend of Alexander the Great who solved the problem of the Gordian knot in 333 B.C.
The Akan People comprise several culturally and linguistically similar peoples in central and southern Ghana and Ivory Coast including the Ashanti (Asante) people who speak Twi and the Fante people who speak Fante. For simplicity we refer to their different proverbs collectively as Akan proverbs.
NOTE: "Knot of Wisdom": This Akan gold weight is probably Ghana, late 19th century. Brass. Gift of Dr. Nachum and Pia Gidal in the Israel Museum collection in Jerusalem, Israel. The photograph of the gold weight is by Mrs. Ofrit Resenberg Ben Menachem of the Israel Museum.
Biblical Parallels
1 Kings 3:16-28: This is the most famous of the stories of Solomon's wisdom about the two mothers who both claimed the same child. It ends with: "The king said, 'Divide the living boy in two; then give half to the one, and half to the other.' But the woman whose son was alive said to the king--because compassion for her son burned within her—'Please, my lord, give her the living boy; certainly do not kill him!' The other said, 'It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it.' Then the king responded: 'Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother.' All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice."
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
We need wise people today to cut the complex knots of war, injustice, corruption, tribalism, racism and other burning problems of our contemporary world. The wisdom of such proverbs can solve many of the problems in Africa.
Avraham Hayam
Research Assistant
Akan Gold Weight Collection Project
Israel Museum
Jerusalem, Israel
P.O. Box 118, Zur Hadassa
99875
Israel
Email: avrahamha@imj.org.il
African Proverb of the Month
Sep, 2007
Klabu ya Simba ilishinda kwa kishindo cha tsunami. (Literal Swahili)
Penye nia pana njia. (Figurative Swahili)
The Simba soccer club beat [their long time rival, the Yanga soccer club] with the impact of a tsunam (Literal English Translation)
Where there’s a will there’s a way. (Figurative English Translation)
Swahili (Eastern and Central Africa) Saying
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
This is a new Swahili saying that was heard by the author while traveling on a small commuter bus known as a “daladala” in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 6 June 2005. I personally refer to such sayings as “Daladala Philosophy” -- local oral wisdom that associates worldwide contemporary events such as the great impact of a tsunami in Asia with local African events such as the Simba soccer club convincing beating its long time rival, the Yanga soccer club. It’s also used by politicians after their respective party has succeeded by a large vote against other political parties. It can also be used in various other situations after having performed badly in a particular activity. So this African saying is used in two ways: either as praise for having done something successfully, or as blame for having utterly failed to perform up to the required standards.
This Tanzanian saying is a very good example of how new contemporary sayings, maxims, and idioms are coined in Africa today. See other examples of Swahili and Sheng sayings that were the "African Saying of the Month" in March, 2005 and April, 2003 by going to: http://www.afriprov.org/resources/proverbs.htm
Biblical Parallels
Ecclesiastes 12:1–8.
Luke 5:4-12: "When Jesus had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.' And Simon answered, 'Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.' And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish. As their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink."
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
Achievement in life depends very much on determination and learning winning habits by doing something again and again until finally one scores overwhelmingly high. People are advised to be prepared and ready all the time to encounter any unusual opportunity in an appropriate manner. Humankind should always aim high in order to achieve something in life.
John P. Mbonde
P. O. Box 3479
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Email: jopahanya@yahoo.com
African Proverb of the Month
August, 2007
Zakoma-zakoma, pusi adagwa (anagwa) chagada (cagada). (Nyanja, Chewa)
Asiyesikia la mkuu huvunjika guu. (Figurative Swahili)
Greed led the monkey to fall on its back. (Literal English)
A child or youth who does not listen to an elder’s advice gets his or her leg broken. (Figurative English)
Nyanja (Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia) Proverb
Chewa (Malawi) Proverb
Also Bemba (Zambia)
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
The wise sages in Zambia use this proverb to warn young people who demonstrate excess enthusiasm for seemingly innocent pleasures, but which could lead to some danger if indulged in too much. The proverb encourages the youth to refrain from excesses or from being headstrong in life, such as flirtatious behaviour, excess love for food, or any other innocent looking but dangerous pursuits taken to extremes. This proverb is just one of the many clusters of proverbs in the 73 ethnic groups in Zambia. The Bemba version is: Akafupa utemenwe ekakusha imichene. Most certainly similar proverbs exist in other parts of the world.
In the case of the Nyanja/Chewa proverb cited above, the monkey (pusi or mnkhwele or nyani) is very well known for its amazing agility as it swings through the trees in search of food or simply enjoying itself! The monkey is regarded as one of the most agile animals on earth to the extent that even when it misses its grip and falls upside down, it will still right itself/save itself by somersaulting and falling on all fours. The monkey may sometimes be so taken up by these antics that it forgets the law of gravity and fall on its back to the ground. Normally the monkey will right itself as it hurtles down to the ground so that it will land on all fours. However, in circumstances where it concentrates too much on food or excessively leaps from branch to branch, it may miss its mark and uncharacteristically fall to the ground on its back and injure itself or even die! In this particular case of the proverb the monkey was so taken up with greed (eating food up a tree) that even with warning signs -- the approach of danger/an enemy -- he or she continued to eat and only at last moment tried to save itself to no avail. It fell and landed upside down!
Biblical Parallels
In the New Testament our Lord Jesus Christ gives many examples of how excessive following of the law can lead to missing heaven. Matthew 23: 4-34 Jesus takes a swipe at the scribes and Pharisees and describes them in quite strong terms: hypocrites, blind guides, whited sepulchers, fools, witnesses and sons of murderers, lawless, serpents, brood of vipers! These are strong terms, but the scribes and Pharisees deserved to be called so because, despite being religious leaders, their life style portended evil. They oppressed the people instead of lighting their burdens and leading them to God. Even when the scribes and Pharisees fasted, as they were required to do, they did it in such a manner as to let the "whole world"’ know about it. Indeed in Luke 6: 7-11 scribes and Pharisees watch Jesus to see whether he would heal (work) on the Sabbath. In John 7: 22-23 Jesus answers them that his duty is to heal the sick on any day just like they too circumcise a person on the Sabbath. See also Luke 13:15-17, Matthew 15:1-14 and Matthew 12:1-8 where Jesus clearly shows the scribes and Pharisees that their blind and excess following of the law does not conform to the will of God.
The proverbs of Solomon declare that children (this includes youth) must hear and do that which is advised of them. Proverbs 2--7 are all addressed to “my son”. They all have the same message: To get wisdom is the main thing. Indeed, even the rest of this book written by the wisest man who has ever lived rests on the importance of young people to choose life and escape the wiles of the devil and the devil's agents (1 Kings 7-14).
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
Applied to the modern world, one does not have far to look. There have many deaths of young people (and many more are on the way), all because of disregarding wise counsel from the older generations. The trappings of modernity have played havoc among populations. For example, most graves today are the resting places of the younger generation who have succumbed to the deadly HIV/AIDS. In most instances these young people were too focused in responding the attractions of the modern world or were merely caught up in new fads.
Traditions and caution have been thrown to the wind. The young no longer seem to listen to the wise counsel of old folks. After all they can now get all their answers from the internet or the cellular phone (a blessing or a curse?). The Bible has been downgraded to just another book. Increasingly many activities and programs organized by churches for the benefit of the youth are simply occasions for experiments in premature adulthood and other anti-social activities. So they die before their grey-haired fathers and mothers go to their graves. Recently there was a front page story in a leading Zambian newspaper about a young uncle who had the expressed intention of marrying his own mother’s daughter (‘niece!’). The situation was only saved by the strong condemnation by the general public and the fact that the girl was spirited out of the country by concerned family members.
Hector HL Banda
President, Zambian P.E.N. Centre
Lusaka, Zambia
Email: lanku2001@yahoo.com
African Proverb of the Month
July, 2007
El dzamel ma ishbeh aouz rugupta. (Arabic)
The camel does not see the bend in its neck. (English)
Arabic(Libya) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
The camel is the ship of the desert and the great Sahara Desert with the famous oases at Gabarahoon is right inside Libya and down south of Sebha. The Libyan camel is single humped (not like the Bactrian camel with two humps) and obtained in large numbers and domesticated for transportation, agriculture and meat. It is a part of the domestic, social and cultural life of the Arabs. The camel has a long neck which is curved concavely (i.e., with a hollow surface outside and an arch inward) and is perceived to be ugly by the Arabs. It is believed by the local people that a camel cannot see the bend in its neck.
Based on this assumption the local people have created a metaphorical proverb out of its bio-psychological behavior of not knowing its own defects and extended it to the fault-finding behavior of human beings. In Libyan society (especially in the Sebha Region where I have worked) this Arabic proverb is used to censure those people who find fault with others, but are oblivious to their own mistakes.
This proverb is in Libyan Spoken Arabic (also called Libyan Vernacular Arabic) and in Standard Arabic that is the national or official language of Libya. A variant that is not commonly heard is: A naga ma ta ishbeh aouz rogbath (A female camel cannot see the bend in her neck).
Biblical Parallels
"Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:1-3)
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
It is considered to be ethically and religiously wrong for people to find fault with others when they themselves suffer from the same faults. In Christianity Jesus Christ himself set up the noblest example of forgiveness when he prayed to God to "forgive them for they know not what they do." Such noble examples are found everywhere in the lives of noble men and women throughout the world. However, it is rarely practised by common people in real life situations. That is why in English we find such proverbs as physician heal thyself! The most important point is love, forgiveness and a humanitarian attitude towards our fellow human beings. "Love thy neighbor" and be "your brother's keeper."
It is the duty of a good human being to understand other people's weakness and try to help them to get out of it by love and firmness, not by brainwashing or fault-finding or insulting. Ignorance is the mother of all evil. To be aware of what is right and what is wrong and to be good is the sum of ethical life. However, to bring about such an awareness and persuade people to be good is an extremely difficult job. One of the important factors to do so is to be first self disciplined. Charity begins at home. However much preaching a preacher does, it falls flat if it is not supported by example. Preaching becomes effective only if the preacher is noble. When a preacher is noble he or she needs to use examples, illustrations, and relevant proverbs to point out the problem and then encourage the hearer to strive to solve it.
In this connection using proverbs that contain images of animals serves an important purpose. They are indirect and so polite. They are socially accepted by the society and hence receive the cultural authority. They are graphic and so easily capture the imagination of the hearer.
Anger, greed, vanity, lust, envy, and addictions are very common weaknesses of human beings and they are present in people in varying degrees. When somebody who is a smoker or a drunkard tries to comment on another person's weakness such as gambling or wastefulness; when someone who is ugly comments on someone else's poor appearance; when a person insults others for being poor or small when the person himself or herself is so too, then this proverb is used.
Professor Chilukuri Bhuvaneswar
University of Sebha
Sebha, Libya
Current location: Hyderabad, India
Email: bhuvaneswarc@yahoo.co.in
African Proverb of the Month
June, 2007
Akantu karokubhabaza ukabhinze karagaruka. (Shubi)
Kitu kinachodhamiria kukudhuru, kitakudhuru hata kama utakikwepa. (Literal Swahili Translation)
Ajali haina kinga. (Figurative Swahili Translation)
It is difficult to escape a trap set against you even if you try to avoid it. (Literal English Translation)
The thing that will hurt you will always keep on coming back even if you try to avoid it. (Figurative English translation)
Shubi (Tanzania) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
We can't avoid all the attacks in life as seen in this Shubi proverb. We can't please everybody. Unconsciously we may provoke reactions from others. This is part of the reality of our every day life. Yet our decisions can still come from our high level of moral and ideal conscience. This touches the point of our personal vocation.
Biblical Parallels
Jesus did not shrink from his destiny. Jesus knew that His person was the true Sanctuary of Yahweh, His Father. He offered Himself as a holocaust. Attacking the structures of the Jewish system, Jesus knew clearly that he will be swept out by the authorities and he announced this three times to his disciples. Humbly he faced the moment. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:23-24).
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
There are many examples of heroic Christian persons who openly faced the threats of their persecutors such as Maximilian Kolbe in Germany, Maria Goretti in Italy, Sister Clementine Anwarite in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the young boy Kizito in Uganda. They chose to receive the mortal arrow rather than to escape and remain safe. They followed in the Jesus' footsteps.
NOTE: See No. 14 in the Select Bibliography on this website. Proverb No. 158 in 198 Proverbs of Subi Language. Endangered African Proverbs: A Continuation of the African Proverbs Project. Collected and explained by Joseph Nkumbulwa and Rev. Max Tertrais, M.Afr. In conjunction with the Sukuma Research Committee, Bujora, Tanzania. Bujora, Mwanza, Tanzania: privately printed, 2006.
Mr. Joseph Nkumbulwa
c/o Ushirombo Parish
S.L.P. 65
Kahama -- Bukombe, Tanzania
Rev. Max Tertrais, M.Afr.
Igunga Parish
P.O.Box 184
Igunga, Tanzania
African Proverb of the Month
May, 2007
Akakhura keetsa inyungu ebuleka. (Luyia)
Pombe ya kienyeji inayochachushwa vibaya huharibika. (Swahili)
Beer that will spoil ferments unequally. (English )
Luyia (Kenya) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
Beer and social drinking is an important element of the social life of the Abaluyia. people in Kenya. Beer is also important because it is offered to ancestors as libation. Well prepared beer is therefore to be celebrated and the person (usually a woman) who makes good beer is honoured. Her home is frequented by many beer lovers.
Beer preparation requires skill to correctly measure and mix ingredients and patience as they ferment. If after mixing the ingredients, it turns out that fermenting is equally spread in the brewing pot then the brewer can tell that the beer will mature properly. However, if fermenting happens only on one side of the pot, it is a sign that the beer will not mature well. Often there is very little the brewer can do at this stage to remedy the situation.
In life one may do his work hoping that things will go well. Sometimes that is the case and other times it is not. This Luyia proverb can be used to encourage someone who is on the verge of giving up. It is also used to encourage a person who has done his best and yet the outcome is disappointing. Certain things are beyond human control and are best left in the hands of God. Often parents use this Kenyan proverb when their children turn out badly in spite of their good and tireless efforts to bring them up correctly. In resignation they say Akakhura keetsa inyungu ebuleka. The proverb may also be used to console a person who finds himself or herself engulfed by circumstances beyond their control. They have done their best but certain things are impossible to control. The proverb is similar to the Swahili proverb la kuvunda halina ubani.
Biblical Parallels
"For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it" (James 2:10).
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
You should raise a child by helping him or her to appreciate different cultures and traditions. This is very important in today's multi-cultural world.
NOTE: This is Proverb 22 in Luyia Proverbs (from Kisa, Marama, Tsotso and Wanga)
By Tim Wambunya
London: Luyia Publishing Company, 2005.
60 pages.
ISBN: 996605009-4
£ 5.00 (including postage) from: t.wamb@virgin.net
300 Kenyan Shillings in Kenyan bookshops
Timothy Wambunya
145, Hornsey Road
London, N7 6DU
England
Email: t.wamb@virgin.net
With additional material by Mrs. Rose Musimba, Nairobi, Kenya.
African Proverb of the Month
April, 2007
Ungichogotha nyoka, no nginya wiharirie kurumwo niyo. (Gikuyu)
Ukichokoza nyoka, hauna budi hujitayarisha kuumwa nayo (Swahili)
If you rattle a snake, you should be prepared to be bitten by it . (English )
Gikuyu (Kenya) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
Among many traditional African societies the ideals of mutuality and reciprocity were important aspects that shaped the daily social relations among people. Since with all human societies it is rare not have social tensions, there were occasions when mistrust among members of a group or society emerged. This Gikuyu Proverb seeks to underscore the relations among people under circumstances of mistrust that later creates social tensions. The proverb is thus used to capture the early symptoms of a potential conflict when all norms regulating social behaviour are thrown out of the window and the ideals of mutuality and coexistence ignored. The proverb thus serves to show how adversaries create disharmony and tensions among themselves. At the point at which the proverb is uttered there is no love lost among the competing groups.
Biblical Parallels
Biblical references that relates to the meaning and implications of this Kenyan proverb have two opposed bases. While the first seeks to supports the literal meaning of the proverb, the other seeks to reconcile the motivation that tends to bring about conflicts brought about by the usage of such a proverb. In the first case, the biblical proverbial quotation that says “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (see Matthew 5:38, Exodus 21:22, Leviticus 24:19-21 and Deuteronomy 19:21) reinforces the meaning of the proverb and the circumstances ion which it is used. On the hand, there is an antithesis of the statement that seeks to reinforce the importance of social cohesiveness, mutuality and positive reciprocity by the usage of such a proverb. This is best captured in Ephesians 4:2-3 that states: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep unity of the spirit through the bond of peace."
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
The best contemporary use of this proverb was clarified by the Kenyan Minister of National Security and Provincial Administration when justifying his decision to raid the Standard Group’s Kenya Television Network (KTN) and The Standard newspaper offices and printing press respectively in Nairobi, Kenya at dawn on 2 March 2006. Kenyan newspapers took the proverb to mean that the minister was comparing the government to a snake that bites at the slightest provocation. But the proverb in the original Gikuyu language is used as the minister (himself a native speaker of the language) clarified: People who start a quarrel should be ready for a fight. According to university journalist lecturer, Joe Kadhi, the proverb can be interpreted to mean, might is right from the perspective of the government or from the perspective of press freedom (the pen is mightier than the sword) -- The Standard, 2 March 2007)
In general, the proverb has been controversial because of its possible multiple usage. Indeed, the proverb is also being used in media and human rights circles today to defend media and press freedoms as they are guaranteed by both local (Kenya) and international laws and conventions (see The Standard, 2 and 3 March 2007 which devoted acres of space when commemorating the raids on their printing press and their sisters company the Kenya Television Network--KTN).
The religious application can work best, however, if it is used as a counter argument. That is, being used to describe situations that can led to disruption of harmony and peace in society. Indeed, there other Gikuyu proverbs that can counter this proverb and therefore serve to clarify its religious role. These include Mbaara ti ucuru (War is not porridge) that was used as the "African Proverb of the Month" in July, 2001 and Mwaki nduhoragio na mwaki (Fire is not put out by fire). Hence, in these contexts, the proverb can be used to warn or teach against arrogance especially among public servants.
NOTE: This Gikuyu proverb is No. 11 in: Kariuki, Joseph. A Collection of Proverbs from the Kenya Media. Nairobi: Privately Duplicated, 2007. 12 pages. This booklet is part of the "Endangered African Proverbs Collections" that is are a continuation of the African Proverbs Project.
A recent feature of our website is the "Message Board." A new Forum is Using African Proverbs in Daily Life (http://forum.afriprov.org/msgboard/forumdisplay.php?f=12). It includes examples of African proverbs used in newspapers, magazines, on TV and radio, and on the internet.
Mr. Joseph Kariuki
Nairobi, Kenya
Assistant Moderator -- African Proverbs, Sayings and Stories Website (www.afriprov.org)
Email: kariukiprov@yahoo.co.uk
African Proverb of the Month
March, 2007
Faa yalo dzwaa gbe.. (Ga)
The one who fetches the water is the one who is likely to break the pot. (English )
Ga (Ghana) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
In this Ghanaian proverb the one who fetches the water ("fetches" here refers to going to the river or to a long distance tap) is the one who is likely to break the earthenware pot. If you cannot make any contribution to help in whatever endeavor is going on, then do not sit down and criticize those who have chosen to work hard to help, and who in doing so, make some genuine mistakes.
Biblical Parallels
Luke 6:42: "Or how can you tell your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother's eye."
Matthew 7:1 "Judge not least you be judged."
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
No one is perfect so we should not point fingers at others’ imperfections, but rather make it a point to encourage those who are willing to risk everything and to try anything.
Salome Hammond
Seattle, Washington.
Email: oshedu@hotmail.com
African Proverb of the Month
Febuary, 2007
Njaa ngla leweni wכ ndoma lכ woma. (Mende)
The dog was beaten by the rain because of love. (Literal English Translation)
Love is blind. (Figurative English Translation)
Mende (Sierra Leone) Proverb
Background, Explanation, and Everyday Use
A dog will not worry about going after his or her lover in the rain, however heavy that rain might be. This is seen more in the mating season. Among the Mende people in Sierra Leone this expression is used to tease someone who is deeply in love. Such a person will sacrifice personal liberties including one's livelihood just to keep a relationship to a lover.
Love between a man and a woman when intense can be seen in serious dimensions. A woman would not mind becoming pregnant if that is what sex with a husband-lover would imply. A direct parallel proverb to the above proverb can be rendered in English like this: "A woman will not mind becoming pregnant in the course of pleasing her lover." Our chosen proverb is a deeper version of this thought.
Biblical Parallels
"Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
This Mende proverb and this 1 Corinthian 13 passage are popular with preachers especially at weddings. Verse 8 is particularly emphasized in the context of sacrificial love. Some people (not necessarily preachers) have actually committed the entire passage to memory and enjoy reciting it. This verse is sometimes combined with "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). It means that one lives to please the person they love. As Christians how much do we live to please Jesus Christ?
Mr. Moses Kainwo
Christian Commitments Coordinator
World Vision Sierra Leone
39, Freetown Road, Lumley
PMB 59, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Email: moses_kainwo@wvi.org
African Proverb of the Month
January, 2007
Obusisi bubili tibulemwa nsenene emoi. (Haya)
Sisimizi wawili hawashindwi kuvuta panzi mmoja. (Swahili)
Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. (English)
Haya (Tanzania) Proverb
Also found in:
Ganda (Uganda)
Sukuma (Tanzania)
Background, Explanation and Everyday Use
One of the best cultural values of the African people is unity. Yet many culture values are now disappearing in African countries. In the Kagera Region in Western Tanzania proverbs were used to teach children and youth how one could learn morality from ordinary things like insects. The Haya Ethnic Group was a well organised big extended family. They were very close in everyday life. For example, when the men were hunting together, collecting firewood in forest together and even when visiting friends from one village to the next they usually were in "twos" or "threes." Women also were together when fetching water from a river, collecting grass, cultivating in the fields, and celebrating feasts like weddings. They believed in the fact that collective strength is always powerful however little it may be, and that when two or more people decide upon something they cannot be mistaken or go astray.
There is a saying: Ngono ekagenda yonka yahaba. When Ngono travels alone, it goes astray." Ngono is the river that is believed to have its source from the River Nile. It flows as far as the Kagera Region winding all over and finally losing its shape. If somebody is noticed to work alone or separate from the community she or he is said to act like the Ngono River, and her or his future plans cannot be successful. In this way people were aware of the importance of unity in action.
Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. This Haya proverb is also found in other African languages such as Ganda (Uganda) and Sukuma (Tanzania). This visual image of two little black ants pulling a grasshopper demonstrates how the unified power among brothers and sisters can be very strong. The meaning is that they control it together and probably will eat it. This example of two ants and a grasshopper is very popular with children in Kagera Region. These insects are known everywhere so it is a good metaphor to use to pass on the message of unity among people.
Unity has an invisible influence in life. How powerful it could be if nations agree upon something. Members of a club, church people, etc? Why is it so difficult to bring changes? Often we are not pulling together in one direction.
The late Tanzanian President, the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, noted the need of a nation to stick together. He said that a nation that is united in brotherly charity (moyo wa upendo) is more powerful than a powerful nation with all its sophisticated weapons.
When I refer to Kagera Region in Tanzania it is also true in other African countries. For example, Archbishop Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki of Nairobi Archdiocese, Kenya, met with Brother Robert Moriarity, S.M. of Hartford Archdiocese, Connecticut, USA to discuss Small Christian Communities. Among other things, the archbishop suggested that when a parish is built with Small Christian Communities, there are no spectators, they are all players. "Participation is what it is all about; they need to share responsibility." He made the point of noting that historically nobody was ever alone in Africa culture. In this sense the development of Small Christian Communities in Africa is not brand new. It builds on the tradition of Africans' communal cultural base.
Biblical Parallels
Jesus summarized his wish and the whole work of salvation that he accomplished in these words: "I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. I am in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know you love me" (John 17:20-23). This is the art of evangelisation when we are united.
"Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
For this reason, our Lord says in the Gospel: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). This clearly teaches us the greater importance and worth of the concord and harmony of two or three in doing good than the goodness of one alone.
Psalm 133 also challenges us in these beautiful words. "Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity… for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life that never ends." Regarding the first disciples of the Lord, it is said: "the group of believers was one in mind and heart." No one said that any of the belongings were his or her own, but they all shared with one another everything they had" (Acts 4:32).
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
To emphasize this point of community, The Church in Africa, Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, No. 43 states: "African cultures have an acute sense of solidarity and community life. In Africa it is unthinkable to celebrate a feast without the participation of the whole village. Indeed, community life in African societies expresses the extended family. It is my ardent hope and prayer that Africa will always preserve this priceless cultural heritage and never succumb to the temptation to individualism which is so alien to its best traditions."
The African Small Christian Communities should be a continuation of this cultural heritage in a Christian way of life based on the commandments of love of God and neighbor as challenged by the Haya proverb: Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. We have a special opportunity in Tanzania that is celebrating the "Year of Small Christian Communities" from December, 2006 to December, 2007. This pastoral priority is being emphasized in other dioceses and countries of Africa too.
Sister Rita K. Ishengoma, STH
Theresian Sisters
Msimbazi Centre
P.O. Box 167
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: rishengomak@yahoo.com