Ethiopian proverbs and sayings
Ranked #617 in Travel & Places, #27,080 overall
There is a proverb or saying for every situation in life!
Speaking with proverbs has long been associated with old people. Old and wise people! They always have one at hand, like a collection. Many younger ones are now appreciating the depth of these proverbs. In Ethiopia, the use of proverbs is widespread. African proverbs, in general, are appreciated everywhere in the world. You can find one that applies to almost anything you encounter. Here we will see a sample of them. Enjoy!
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Get picture of old African American man at AllPosters.com
Definition of proverb: A condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.
(Princeton).
A cow gave birth to a fire: she wanted to lick it, but it burned; she wanted to leave it, but she could not because it was her own child.
Every mom will understand this!
Isn't it true that for a mother it is difficult to stop loving her child, even when he or she hurts the parents, doing wrong things? We just can't turn off our love that easily. Even when we get burned in the process. Fortunately, for many children this unconditional love has helped them change. A lot of youths who have cleaned up their lives say it is because their mother (or father) never gave up on them.
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A fool is thirsty in the midst of water
The solution is at hand!
Often we have everything we need around us to improve our situation. Whether it is economy, relationships or other interests, the world is at our disposition. Instead of complaining, we need to see what is available right under our nose!Pitcher of Water from AllPosters
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion
We need each-other!
For sure, we need other people. Whether with family or friends, we can be strong together. It is not easy to stand alone in life, we need to nurture the relationship we have with people around us.
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Slowly, but surely, the egg will walk on its legs
Don't give up!
The whole point with this proverb is to persevere, not give up. Eventually you will reach your goal! Whether it is making more money on Squidoo or learning a new language!
Picture by TheMidnightFox
Picture by TheMidnightFox
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Solomon Dictates the Proverbs
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Based on an African proverb
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Engraved Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - "A True Friend Should Be Held With Both Hands"
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It is easy to become a monk in one's old age
Anybody can talk!
It is easy to talk when the situation does not apply to us. This means that we should not pay too much attention to what people say but keep on doing what we believe is right.Get picture of monk at AllPosters.com
Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors
Learn from life
Don't let obstacles and problems in life make you give up. Use the experience you get from them to improve yourself. There is always something to learn from life, whether to benefit yourself or others.
Shipping in Stormy Seas, 1868 available from AllPosters
Shipping in Stormy Seas, 1868 available from AllPosters
African Proverbs
From different countries
He who knows much does not speak much
Very true!
How many times haven't we seen that it's not the one talking a lot that accomplishes something. Often it is the silent one, working in quiet. It is also a course of wisdom to keep your mouth shut if you do not really know what you are talking about. All of us need this reminder from time to time!Get picture of women talking at AllPosters.com
Want to know more about Ethiopia and its people?
For a complete list, have a look at My Ethiopian Collection
At least I was not combing somebody's big hair!
Not wasting time!
Get picture of Ethiopian man with long hair here!
Unless you call out, who will open the door?
Speak up!
This proverb is very appropriate for Ethiopia. They don't like saying what they think, or asking for anything. But if you don't let your thoughts and wishes known, how can they be fulfilled? Even if the answer could be no, it could also be yes! The door will remain closed until you knock on it, nobdoy will know you are standing outside.Get picture of The Red House, Bexleyheath, here
Proverbs from Ethiopia, available on different products
My own pictures from Ethiopia
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daria369
May 24, 2012 @ 3:09 pm | delete
- Proverbs are fun to read. I don't agree with all of them but I like them because they tell a lot with only a few words. Nice collection! :)
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JaguarJulie May 14, 2012 @ 3:31 pm | delete
- Ah, what pawpaw has said ... children always seemed to roll their eyes at proverbs and bits of wisdom ... and one day, when they find that they are now older ... they realized they shouldn't have rolled their eyes.
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Cari_Kay
May 10, 2012 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- I remember studying various proverbs in school. I think I was in 4th grade and have enjoyed them since! Great page!
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pawpaw911
Apr 25, 2012 @ 7:49 am | delete
- Proverbs and sayings are useful when raising children. Mine always rolled their eyes, but they remember many on them.
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pawpaw911
Apr 25, 2012 @ 7:49 am | delete
- Proverbs and sayings are useful when raising children. Mine always rolled their eyes, but they remember many on them.
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akarki
Feb 16, 2012 @ 2:16 am | delete
- i love the sayings , so well expressing an advise, would be helpful to keeping them all in mind.
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Phillyfreeze69
Feb 15, 2012 @ 7:51 pm | delete
- One of my favorite Proverbs is " He that would catch fish...must not mind getting wet"
Splendid and thoughtful Lens, Mujjen.
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Tipi
Feb 2, 2012 @ 1:32 pm | delete
- I see SquidooKimberly has loved this since I was last here....I love it too and am returning with a blessing.
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CrucialCulture
Dec 4, 2011 @ 11:06 am | delete
- Wonderful Lens
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Bus_Stop_Toy_Shop May 3, 2011 @ 8:03 am | delete
- Wow - some very profound thoughts here - I particularly love the 'water' one. Great work :)
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African proverbs on T-shirt
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Louisa Dembul-Mujjen
by Mujjen
African sayings are known to be deep and wise. So also Ethiopian proverbs. With a few words, they can describe a situation perfectly. Sometimes you need... more »
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African Proverbs
The Night Has Ears: African Proverbs
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Ethiopia is a fantastic country!
Based on an African Proverb
Engraved Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - "A True Friend Should Be Held With Both Hands"
Amazon Price: $119.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
