Monday, September 15, 2008

My Town Monday: Life in West Africa

Some African Proverbs and their meanings : Mr. Boh sent some humorous and poignant proverbs for this My Town Monday...


He who brings kolanut, brings life --- It is a showing of gratitude because kolanuts are considered a very big gift, and where one brings out a kolanut to a stranger, it is considered as a source of life.


The one who swallows an odala seed must consider the size of his anus --- Do not attempt doing what is above you.


He who brings home ant infested faggots (a bundle of sticks) must expect the visit of lizards --- If you call for trouble, expect its consequences.


A person who has never submitted himself to anything would soon submit himself to the burial mat --- Even if you are as strong as a lion, you will still die one day.


We shouldn't bother throwing stones at a tree that has no fruits --- No use seeking help where it will never come.


That which the dog sees and barks, the sheep sees and keeps quiet - threats like those of a toothless dog ---


No matter how it rains on a tiger, the spots on its skin would not be washed away ---


The stubborn grasshopper will finally end up in the gizzard of a fowl --- If you don't heed to advice, you would end up in trouble.


One who refuses to listen to the voice of thunder would soon be soaked in rain --- If you refuse to heed to advice, you would soon find yourself in trouble.


One who listens to elders is like one who goes to the diviners --- The voice of the elders is the voice of wisdom.


No one can steal the drum and beat it without being caught --- If you commit a crime and go into hiding, you will soon be exposed.


The rock that is in the middle of the sea does not fear rain --- It is just like a corpse never refuses to be put in the coffin.


Click here for more My Town Monday courtesy of Travis Erwin...

10 comments:

pattinase (abbott) said...

Interesting how rooted in nature and earthy concerns these proverbs are.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Hi David,

I loved these. My favorite is:

We shouldn't bother throwing stones at a tree that has no fruits --- No use seeking help where it will never come.

I printed that one and hung it on my bulletin board.

Terrie

Travis Erwin said...

I'm with Charles on wondering about the size of those nuts. Good stuff. i enjoyed reading these.

David Cranmer said...

Patti, I noticed that too. Not surprising but still interesting.

Charles, Travis, Ha! I tried looking them up on line to find out what they look like, but no cigar. I will have to ask him in the next e-mail.

Terrie, Original quotes you can't find in the states!

Reb said...

I am curious about the size of that nut too! Great proverbs.

debra said...

These are wonderful, David. I love proverbs and sayings of different cultures. My mother-in-law is English and she often says things that give me pause.

David Cranmer said...

Reb, This particular proverb seems to get us all laughing. I'll have to find out what an odala is.

Debra, Glad you enjoyed them. I'd be interested in hearing your favorite proverbs from your mother-in-law... I love the British sense of humor.

Barrie said...

I love the don't bother throwing stones at a tree without fruit proverb. I just love the way it's said. Thanks for this very interesting post.

Barbara Martin said...

I really like these sayings. They all produce interesting thoughts that might be used in creative ways later for stories.

David Cranmer said...

Barbara, Yeah, that's a possibility. Or a good opening quote to a book.