African Proverbs are statements full of wisdoms that the elders use whenever they want to talk. We have different types of Proverbs. Proverbs of warning, of advising, and of praising, among others. The meaning of Proverbs is to be understood at the metaphorical level, because they are used to achieve a metaphorical effect. Proverbs are used to liken a situation to another or to use a situation to mask another. Proverbs are common, no doubt, as they are being used daily by Africans to prove their point better, however, let's take a look at 10 Uncommon African Proverbs and their Meanings.
1. A Child who Says his/her Father doesn't Know how to Cook Wants to Hear the History of how his/her Mother Left.
This means a child (someone) who complains about the things his father (someone) does in place of his/her mother (another person) wants to hear the terrible story of how his mother (the person) left. Here, the "left" means the person opted out of the marriage (agreement) which insults the mother (person) and the excesses of the "child" (the complainer), and also gives credit to the sayer for staying through with him (the complainer).
2. Their is Neither Standing nor Bending for One who has Swallowed a Pounding Mortal.
This (metaphorically) means there is no rest for one who has done beyond himself, or has exceed his limits. It links to another statement which says: "He who finds rubbish, will see rubbish."
3. Any Bird that Decides to Pretend like the Bat will Ooze Blood from its Mouth.
It (metaphorically) means a particular species or breed or person that feels inclined to imitate another specie or breed or person will put him/herself in trouble. It is also means everyone should maintain their spaces, and be in their lane, and not copy another person, because what works for them might not work for you. It simply means "Be Yourself."
4. A Child who Says his Mother won't Sleep will not also Sleep.
This means anyone who wants to initiate an action or an idea has to be overly present in it. If you say your mother will not sleep, you have to be awake to make sure that she doesn't.
5. A Plantain Plantation Shields the Cocoyam Crop till Harvest, then Turned into a Bad One in the Sight of the Farmer.
This is said when one's means to render help and sacrifices is no longer appreciated, after turning out well. It is just like a parent bringing a child up with a particular business or occupation, then the child insults it after being a grown-up. It is used to remark one's ungratefulness to the things that have help one to grow.
6. The Relationship is Sweet is what makes a friend Share in a Friend's Boiled Pap, the one at the Goat's House is enough for it.
This is said to avoid insults, when one's attitude to foster good friendship is being questioned. It is like saying "I have more than this, I am just eating with you to breed good relationship."
7. Don't Use my Farm as your Route Path, it is a Day One Refuses it.
It is used when one decides to take an action about an habit he/she has warned someone of. It simply means "Don't do this, don't do that, it is one day you take an action to it."
8. Discussions can't Happen in the Presence of Hunger.
It means you take care of your necessities in life, before any other thing. Food is one of the basic things of life. You have to eat before checking out other issues. In other words it is "You use the strength of the inside to help the outside."
9. Whatever Happens to the Eyes will Happen to the Nose.
It means one should be conscious about things happening around him. You should not focus on yourself alone. Be concerned about other people around you in your doings, because if anything happens to them, it will affect you too.
10. If there is no Reason for it, a Female Child doesn't Consciously Bear 'Kumolu'
This is on its own a South Western Proverb. It is mostly used by the Yoruba elders. The name "Kumolu" is derived from the word "Iku-mu-olu" which literally means "Death has taken the hero." It is a situation where death has killed all the brothers of a female child through war. The female child is named it to show that the family has able bodied males children who war have taken away, so they name the female (child) to recall past glory or recall the past. It is also used to posses that family as a strong one. It metaphorically means there are reasons to odd situations. Because normally, it is a male that bears the name.
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