Fridays are known generally for heralding our indigenous ways of life, especially in dressing. This is why I, as an indigene of the Yorùbá tribe presents Yorùbá Proverbs. In this post, I present a yorùbá proverb, it's literal interpretation and it's meaning and significance to the yorùbá people, and at times, Africa at large. The Yorùbá people predominantly live in the South Western part of Nigeria, and they speak the Yorùbá language. The theme for today's proverb is Home.
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Ilé làbọ̀ simi oko, Ṣùgbọ́n bi ilé bá sanni àwọ̀ là ti n wòó
Literal Interpretation:
Home is the place of rest from the farm or from work, but if the home is comfortable enough, the skin will tell.
Before civilization, the major occupation of the Yorùbá people was agriculture. Farmers were the richest people in the communities, especially those who cultivated crops like Oil palm, Cocoa, rubber, kolanut, and surprisingly, locust bean. Farmers had very large acres of land for farming, they would therefore go to the farm very early in the morning and return very late at night, just to rest. Some however had their farmlands very far away from home. They therefore took a season on the farm and another season of rest at home.
This proverb is used to describe the serenity and love experienced anywhere you call home. In this sense, home could be your place of residence, your village or country home, your country, and so on. No matter how long you spend at work, or on a trip or expedition, you will come back home to rest. The proverb is used to admonish people who seem to have forgotten their origin and lost touch with their cultures and traditions.
The later part says... If the home is comfortable enough, the skin will tell. Although home is a place of rest and comfort, it doesn't mean it is the most beautiful place to be in. The city could look so bright, beautiful and comfortable while the village may be dark and rusty, but the psychological effect it has is comforting to the soul.
At home, there is a sense of security
At home, you have a lot of time to interact with family and loved ones
At home, you can discard your sophisticated lifestyle and live simple
In the village, you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables
In the village, the air is much fresher and without conditioning
In the village, there may be no power supply or internet facilities, but you may not miss any of it
Home may not be the most beautiful and automated place, but our souls find rest there. Nigeria may not be the most beautiful or developed nation, but our hearts will always find rest here. No matter how long we spend in Europe, America or Australia, we will always thirst for fresh palm wine, for ìkọkọrẹ́, and for ewédú soup. Home is our paradise.
Home, sweet home...
You can drop your opinion about these proverbs in the comment section.
