1253. ", 97. ~ African proverb. Adui aangukapo, mnyanyue (muinue) - When the enemy falls, lift him up Adui mpende - love your enemy Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth Kila mtu kwa shauri lake. "A stranger does not skin a sheep that is paid as a fine at a chief's court. F 27.71; FSM 119. ", 99. Unity is strength, disunity is weakness. "A healthy person who keeps begging for food is an insult to a generous farmer. Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings. To run is not necessarily to arrive. Confidential information should not be shared. Kama kusingwa ni huku, naradhiwa taka zangu. This famous proverb in Swahili teaches us that if you forgive then you will defeat the wrongdoer. EM w9. "If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building or do you change the nail? ", 33. ", 43. T 326; SACL 844; MM. These African proverbs providing wisdom about your closest family and friends are surely the one thing you need to keep them close. Child upbringing is a communal effort. 1317. One who is carried [on the back] must cling on. Check out these proverbs and quotes below to gain some insight into African beliefs and ways of thinking. Kifimbo cheza ni mali yangu. One looks to one's friend in adversity. Jito likinenepa ni sababu ya mito mingine. FSM 37. 62. "Adults are considered to be wise, so they will not need the use of force before coming to a reasonable agreement" - JKP. ", 157. F 43.3; B 4.79. "If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents. ~ Ethiopian proverb, The old woman looks after the child to grow its teeth and the young one in turn looks after the old woman when she loses her teeth. It means that if youre going to do something, you might as well go the whole way. Take a look at these African sayings on children. ", 17. One hand alone cannot carry a baby. When firebrands meet [mix], that is when the fire flares up. It is also used to advise a person to have different ways of making a living; e.g., having different crops in the field - MARA. 1241. ", 123. "Akili ni mali - Knowledge is wealth.". A single finger does not kill a louse. To teach about a group's culture, proverbs are always a great way to start because they show up in everyday conversation, literature, music, and more! Manahodha wengi chombo huenda pera. 29. There is much beauty in Africa and these proverbs reflect just that. ", 24. ", 26. The Bantu Swahili language and English, the latter of which was inherited from colonial rule are widely spoken as lingua franca. You are lifted and you see it all from above.". Ndovu Wawili Wakigombana Ziumiazo Ni Nyasi. ", 88. 1294. F 22.14; AL 1970 kikoa; Nestor p.77. ", 115. "Anyone who urinates in a stream should be warned because any of his relatives may drink from the water. J chombo; B 2.30; KB 43. African sayings and proverbs on life should be read by everyone. ", 52. You can't have unity without diversity. 1311. "The maker needs the consumer to tell what is wanted. Here are some fascinating quotes about Africa. "By crawling a child learns to stand. Your email address will not be published. ", 80. Cf. A vessel of a single person cannot sail near the wind. The lamentations [at the death of the bird] caused the eggs to spoil. Along with the video is a word-for-word transcription of the skit, a glossary for difficult words or phrases, and a . No smoke without fire. It takes a village to raise a child. 2. Swahili, Greed loses what it has gained. Africa, African Proverbs on Money, Wealth, Riches and Poverty, One cannot both feast and become rich. Ashanti, Money is sharper than the sword. 1281. ", 134. A council of adults is not a council of force. ~ Congolese proverb, A single stick may smoke, but it will not burn. ~ Ibo proverb, Children are the reward of life. "Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy."-John Trapp. Cf. ", 7. This Swahili proverb about life teaches that if you want something, you have to do it. ~ African proverb. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. ", 48. "In Unity there is strength; We can move mountains when we're united and enjoy life -Without unity we are victims. "I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. "An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned in a proverb. 1248, 1256. 1255. If water has been spilt, it cannot be scooped up. No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.". ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. REK. "When the roots of a majestic tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches. Post author: Post published: junho 10, 2022 Post category: staten island advance sports archives Post comments: crawley magistrates' court results december 2020 crawley magistrates' court results december 2020 The mnazi or mchikichi palm has many uses: the branches and leaves are used in house building and mat making; the nuts have oil, the flowers are salty; the sap becomes palm wine. If you want change, you have to initiate change. Too many cooks spoil the rice. We all will share prior to our arrival at heaven. "A man who pays respect to the great paves his own way for greatness. Cf. 1240. ", 93. "The big game often appears when the hunter has given up the hunt for the day. ", 56. To get a difficult cause moving, many little efforts are needed. A Collection of 40 Wise Swahili Phrases and Sayings. We hear these all the time, sometimes prompted by a word we use (like haraka will prompt the first one below). Meaning: A step-father/adoptive father is not a father. Cf. It has become "pull me and I'll pull you.". Haraka haraka haina baraka. ", 32. ", 45. "Unity is strength, division is weakness." Swahili proverb. Later you will come and ask me a remedy for [your] child. AL 104. The basket is made of the same material. KB 246. . Methali: HAPANA SIRI YA WATU WAWILI 681. ", 164. This Swahili proverb about life teaches us to help an enemy who is in trouble as it may make you a friend. "When sleeping women wake, they move mountains!". Marriage is no easy matter for a woman, and although girls are supposed to look forward to it, they will find little but hardship in it. Share on: Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) 1318. A ship with many captains is liable to sink. "A single bracelet does not jingle." Congolese proverb. 1293. ~ Haya (Tanzania) proverb. She's good at writing about sports and sporting heroes. Ukurasa (Page): wa Kwanza(1) wa Pili(2) wa Tatu(3) wa Nne(4). If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. Shida ya ndugu humalizwa na ndugu. It is necessary to stamp out evil with adequate measures - SPK. 1287. . NGU. "Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.". Ada ya mja hunena, muungwana ni kitendo - It is customary for man to talk, and gentlemen to act (actions speak louder than words). As we practice togetherness, we can begin to see how these skills can be beneficial to our lives as well. Patience is the mother of a beautiful child. Ahadi ni deni - A promise is a debt. 3508. Umvushapo mwenzio nawe unavuka. Wise elders bring unity and stability to a community in times of difficulty and strife. As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. ", 59. "A town can only ", 120. One good turn deserves another; you help me in my difficulties, I help you in yours - F. 1274. Kiroboto kwa kimoja chanja, bila kucha kuwezi kuvunja. 1246. ", 25. 66. Unity is strength, division is weakness. Work done together will be successfully finished. A girl must not have lovers that give the house a bad name - JKP. Wengi wape au watajichukulia. Kenyan Magazine 2023. 718, 720, 1177. Umvushapo mwenzio nawe unavuka. It is important to keep family ties/family ties last forever. Topics: Democracy In America. The refusal of the earthen cooking pot is that it leaks. With many captains the ship is at the mercy of the waves. One leg cannot support a bed. 1316. An orphan is nurtured by a God-fearing person. EM; H 32. - Beryl Markham, 'West With The Night,'1942. Methali: DALILI YA MVUA NI MAWINGU Application: Morning shows the day as childhood shows the man. None but a fool denies his family. "It is only a stupid cow that rejoices at the prospect of being taken to a beautiful abattoir. Your privacy is important to us. The back is not rubbed with oil. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! 1270. "Until the lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter. T 434; V 8; MS 61. The dying of many is like a wedding. . Get help from your own kind of people. ", 188. Members help each other through difficult times . Rise up, let's go! Famous Swahili Proverbs & Swahili Sayings, Beautiful Swahili Quotes & More Swahili Proverbs, Best Swahili Idioms & Swahili Expressions, How To Say I Love You In Swahili + Other Romantic Phrases, How To Say How Are You? In Swahili & Common Responses, 17 Tongan Proverbs, Quotes & Sayings + Their Meanings. ", 177. LE3 227.18. 196. ~ Ute proverb, Brothers love each other when they are equally rich. "Afya ni bora kuliko mali - Health is better than wealth.". Meaning: He who does not listen to elders advice gets his leg broken. Cf. A creeper [liana] does not climb without a tree. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong. One man cannot launch a vessel. ", 152. If near [a relative] has nothing, I don't regard it as near. 1277. 1285. - Swahili Proverb. ~ African proverb, If you want to go quickly, go alone. ", 171. Heavy loads are carried on the head; to put them down, especially when heavy and breakable, as big water pots, help is needed and expected. Not only is the Swahili language poetic, but it also offers some of the most interesting quotes, sayings and even proverbs. ", 30. Cf. Swahili Saying: Mwenye njaa hana miiko. To have a good reason in refusing service, one must not pester someone in giving a service, but leave that one free - KB. Manahodha wengi hukiangamiza chombo. The osprey does not promise the chicken anything [whether it would or would not take a chicken]. If you educate a woman, you educate a whole family. 141. A bad job is not as wothless as a good game. Foolishness precedes cleverness, cleverness follows. Stand upright, pillar, with your brothers. - Mattie Stepanek All good things come to those who wait. Methali: DAMU NI NZITO KULIKO MAJI Meaning: Clouds are the sign of rain. ", 40. Where there are experts there will be no lack of learners. Cf. "Dont try to make someone hate the person he loves. Ukipenda boga penda na ua lake. To many give it up or they will take it themselves. Those who have become successful and have collected much prefer to hold on to that position, but those who have little prefer co-operating in fighting against the environment which has made their situation so low, with the hope that it will improve not for some individuals only, but for the whole group - EM. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ~ Swahili proverb. "A wise man who knows the proverbs of the land reconciles difficulties. states that proverbs are 'based on accumulated experience and transmitted . The milk of the coconut needs an opening [in order to escape].This is said when a present is needed for a diviner in consultation - KS. SACL 101; V beba; KA; NGU; K seleke;AL mtoto; SPK. Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! Everyone who knocks at the door gets an answer. Mti ukigwa huegemea mti wenziwe. "If love is a sickness, patience is the remedy." Cameroonian Proverb "The laughter of a child lights up the house." Swahili Proverb Nyonya, suck milk; live off somebody else. "Africa has her mysteries, and even a wise man cannot understand them. ", 75. Ni (or watu) waaganao. If many people try to solve a problem without using skill and brains they will usually make a mess of it. NGU. ~ African proverb, Home affairs are not talked about on the public square. JKP. EM p.23. H 111; L 106; B 2.8; JK 124. 1243. 1248, 1256. Kila apigaye mlango hupata majibu. Adhabu ya kaburi aijua maiti - The touture of the grave is only known by the corpse. "The water of the river flows on without waiting for the thirsty man. ~ Tanzanian proverb, A single bracelet does not jingle. When a tree falls it leans on its neighbor. ~ African proverb. 91. Ukuti kukazana ni kumbi. "Unity is a strength, a division is a weakness . ~ Swahili proverb, Two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. 1313. Where there are many, nothing goes wrong Swahili proverb -Swahili Proverb. 191. ~ Akan (Ghana, Ivory Coast) proverb, When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. ~ African proverb. "The African mind has a lot to contribute, not only to world understanding of the arts, but to an understanding of spiritualism. "If men swear that they want to harm you when you are asleep, you can go to sleep. 11. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. ", 11. ", 112. MA 254. (See full affiliate disclosure.). 1304. Ukuti : leaf, branch of the coconut tree. ~ Swahili proverb. KB 164. 1325. ", 178. A hasty person misses the sweet things. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, African Proverbs on Unity and Community. This famous Swahili proverb is similar to the English version dont judge a book by its cover. ", 132. This article contains incorrect information, This article doesnt have the information Im looking for, 200 Best African Quotes And Proverbs For Wisdom And Inspiration, Inspirational African Quotes And Proverbs, African Proverbs About Family and Friends, 41 Quotes From Frankenstein For Your Gothic Literature Studies, 32 Richard Siken Quotes From The Inspiring 'Crush' Poet, 30 The Purpose Driven Life Quotes From The Famous Bible Study, 70 Best Salon Quotes And Sayings To Leave You Feeling Beautiful. ", 61. If you want to go far, go together. One builds nothing with one tree only. EM 36.13; KA. ", 110. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses. ", 102. If it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested. ", 65. Moumita has worked with many soccer teams and produced match reports, and sports is her primary passion. Wakubwa hupendelea ubinafsi; wadogo hupendeka ujamaa. B 1.32; A 72; T 139; Kilio cha ndege ndicho kilichoozesha mayai. REK. 19. 106. A child's lie is like a dead fish in a pond that in the end, always comes to the surface, explains his mother. "Where there are many, nothing goes wrong.". ~ African Proverb, A united family eats from the same plate. SPK. Application: Every cloud has a silver lining. "If you want to go fast, go alone. ", 42. "If you want to go fast, go alone. Afungaye kibwebwe si bure ana mchezo. NGU. EM w21. 7. Unity is strength, division is weakness. "To love someone who does not love you is like shaking a tree to make the dew drops fall. "The best way to eat an elephant in your path is to cut him up into little pieces. This Swahili proverb teaches us to not be too demanding. Cf. ", 94. The Best Unity Quotes That Will Lift Your Spirits. Use iTalki for 1-on-1 lessons in over 150 languages to supercharge your learning! ~ Ibo proverb, Children are the reward of life. ", 162. These women know that they can grow the health, well-being and economic security of their communities when they work together. Cf. meaning) 2. AL 1048; KS figa. Where there are many good people an enemy usually dies. Shikaneni mikono mvukapo mto. ~ African proverb. ", 101. ~African proverb, Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile wont eat you. Cf. Mwenye kubebwa hujikaza. Cen ter fo r Afri can S tu d i es . REK. T 587. "A doctor who invoked a storm on his people cannot prevent his own house from destruction. Sayings of Swahili origin. ", 85. If the family is together, the soul is in the right place. 5 Swahili Proverbs That Sum Up the Current Political Scene in Africa. Bamba na waume. "When brothers fight to the death, a stranger inherits their fathers estate. Kukubali shingo upande. ~ African proverb, If I am in harmony with my family, thats success. ", 121. Otherwise, the day he returns home with a stolen ox, it will be too late. This Swahili idiom literally means to live much is to see a lot. "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm. AL 1506. ", 39. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. The one who is useful to you has a title [price]. ", 168. It takes a village to raise a child. Unity is strength, division is weakness. ", 150. A bird that imitates others does not get used to a place. "If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail. If you help me today, tomorrow I may be able to help you. Take a look at these thought-provoking proverbs below. "Although the snake does not fly it has caught the bird whose home is in the sky. 1274. 1279. ", 155. . Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. "You cant hate the roots of a tree and not hate the tree. ~ African proverb, Dine with a stranger but save your love for your family. ", 125. - Kenyan Proverb. "Don't procrastinate or you will be left in between doing something, having something and being nothing", 10. A stitch in time saves nine. "No person is born great; great people become great when others are sleeping. It is very important to be united in all the situations of life. when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. The two hands wash each other. "Parents give birth to the body of their children, but not always to their characters. The branches of a coconut tree squeezed together make a roof. Kenyan Proverb. 1288. ", 143. Translation: When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. 1278. ", 50. It is a historical truth. "No matter how hot your anger is it cannot cook yams. T 35; SACL 909; AL 1100. ", 109. Njia ya umande wanatembea wawili. F 50.1; KA; KB 335; V in Desturi za Wasuaheli, 1903. Many captains destroy a ship. ", 187. Also Read: 65 Best Equality and Diversity Quotes and Sayings. "It takes a village to raise a child. ~ Swahili proverb. ", 116. Download. How Ancient Wisdom is Still Relevant Today, Native American Code of Ethics: 20 Rules For Mankind To Live By, 11 Proverbs For Couples That Will Guarantee Stronger Relationships, 15 Native American Proverbs That Will Speak To Your Soul, 100 Best Zen Sayings And Proverbs That Will Make You Feel Peaceful, Celebrating Women: 25+ Surprising International Womens Day Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 8 Important International Womens Day Lessons For Life That Every Woman Should Remember, 25+ Unique International Womens Day Celebration Ideas To Empower the Women in Your Life, 30 Life-Changing New Years Resolutions To Live By In 2023, How To Prepare For 2023 and Make It Your Best Year: 10 Ways To Build A Better Life, Life Lessons From Queen Elizabeth: 8 Lessons From The Longest Ruling Monarch Thatll Stay with us Forever, 30+ Best Serena Williams Quotes For Inspiration And Success. Play. Mmoja hashui chombo. Youre told to eat with the blind as they cannot give you the evil eye. Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won't eat you. 1316. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! Meaning: Don't break your promise! "One who possesses much wisdom has it in the heart, not on the lips. Whoever writes a new one can afford a certain complacency in the knowledge that his is a new picture agreeing with no one else's, but likely to be haughtily disagreed with by all those who believed in some other Africa. If women say so, stay awake. Proverbs 27:7 expresses a similar sentiment: "One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.". ", 190. Mapaka wengi hawagwii panya. "How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves! "A child is like an axe; even if it hurts you, you still carry it on your shoulder. ", 49. "Madness does not govern a country; discussion does. Move, let us go! "If you are filled with pride, then you will have no room for wisdom. Mkono mmoja haubebi mtoto. Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. Swahili is a language that's rich in proverbs (or sayings) that are really common. ", 144. 161. Ongoing Admissions and Recruitments within Ghana 2022, Akome Senior High Technical School Akostec, TSC Imprest Application Form Pdf Download, TSC Next of Kin secretariat Form BBF Pdf Download, TSC Performance Appraisal Form Pdf Download, Wesley College Of Education Contact | Address, University for Development Studies UDS Medical School Fee Paying, When Will The GAF Forms Be Released 2022/2023, Royal Ann College of Health RACOH School Fees 2022, Kintampo College of Health and Well Being Courses, Unity is strength, division is weakness. Chombo hakiendi ikiwa kila mtu anapiga makasia yake. Swahili proverbs address subjects such as unity and cooperation, responsibility, conflict, obedience and disobedience, good, evil, and acting foolishly. 1236. ~ Bondei proverb; It takes a village to raise a child. "Telling a secret to an unworthy person is like carrying grain in a bag with a hole in it. ", 77. ", 8. 1272. Miluzi mingi mbwa hupotea. "Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? 1327. KA. The poles of the roof support each other - RSP. Could also be applied to bribery: "One who greases thewheels helps his oxen.". Women are the cornerstone of society and African proverbs celebrate women as an important part of the family. "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King, Jr. 30. Unity without verity is no better than conspiracy. Mfa maji haachi kutapatapa. Hurry, hurry has no blessings. "Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight. ", 184. Don't expect that someone with trouble will cater for yours. attracts) success." -A5-. "A home without a woman is like a barn without cattle. Nahodha wengi, chombo (or jahazi) huenda mrama. Bamba la warume, si bamba na maguvu. "A bird that flies off the Earth and lands on an anthill is still on the ground.". ", 98. KS mkoma. A real family eats from the same cornmeal. 1271. 197. "Love, like rain, does not choose the grass on which it falls. Any information you provide to us via this website may be placed by us on servers located in countries outside the EU if you do not agree to such placement, do not provide the information. Warume for wanaume, Mrima dialect: leader. 20. ", 69. The meaning is that wherever people live and work together trivial clashes occur. 1244. Ukibebwa usilevye-levye miguu. "Let your love be like the misty rain, coming softly but flooding the river.". NGU. 150 Quotes on Saving Money to Inspire, 400+ Hypocrisy Quotes! ~ African proverb. ", 22. ", 79. "A cutting word is worse than a bowstring, a cut may heal, but the cut of the tongue does not. This Swahili proverb teaches us to be proactive. If there are many of the same opinion, don't be obstinate. Check out the videos below which feature a range of famous Swahili proverbs and well-known Swahili quotes and sayings. "He that has never traveled thinks that his mother is the only good cook in the world. Much work can only be done together" - JKP. An African . African saying. "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. 1273. A big heart is better than a big brain. - James Stevenson-Hamilton, first warden of South Africa's Sabi Nature Reserve. If a dog hears whistles from different directions it will not Take a look at these African quotes and African proverbs on wisdom and spirituality. Jeanne December 28, 2015 African Proverbs, Kenya, Tribes. Meaning: Even he who has not many troubles has a few. If you help your fellow men, you will also help yourself in the process - EM. "Three things cause sorrow to flee; water, green trees, and a beautiful face. ", 169. Instead of pilau also the words mchuzi, gravy and nyama, meat are used. Contact Us. ~Ashanti Proverb. Many hands make light work. With that being said, below are quotes, sayings and proverbs in Swahili about life. 1292. 3. If the hours are long enough and the pay is short enough, someone will say it's women's work. This shows that what has been decided is going to be done and what will be done is not known to others. ", 38. ~Baganda proverb, A family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break. 1283. African Proverbs About Life. Take a look at our list of proverbs from Africa below. To many it is wise to yield. 'Shika shika' (or shike, shike) na mwenyewe nyuma. "It is the crooked wood that can show the best sculptor. ", 103. F 50.1; KA; KB 335; V in Desturi za Wasuaheli, 1903. AL 709. In summary, African . Below I've listed the most famous Swahili proverbs as well as some common Swahili sayings. "When you show the moon to a child, it sees only your finger. T 640A. When you row your friend across, you also cross. A river is enlarged by its tributaries. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. Bamba: counsel, case; iron sheet. - African proverb. So, if you are filled with pride, then these proverbs will show you the one thing that you need - the correct path! Swahili Proverbs. These proverbs carry great wisdom and meaning for us all. Kenya is a multilingual country. African proverbs on Patience. Meaning: Blood is thicker than water. "Acheni nyodo kila mtu na bahati yake.". ~ Sierra Leone proverb; African Quotes on Unity and Community. Craftsman and customer. People who tend to go . Majirani hufanyiana shime. When minds are one, what is far comes near. As an Amazon Associate, Kidadl earns from qualifying purchases. About common effort. 1241. Methali za Kiswahili - Swahili Proverbs Kari b u Mg en i - Wel come G uest BACKG RO UND ARRANG E ME NT ACKNO W L E DG E ME NT S A l bert S cheven dedi cat es hi s S wahi l i proverbs col l ect i on t o J. K . 1265. B 4.4; F 12.2; MARA 2; KB 49. Kifo, death, dying; but here "hard working.". I enjoy photography, music and watching comedy videos. Yatima humnyonya mcha mungu. So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. Cf. ", 15. - Swahili Proverb. Miwili ndiyo pakamao. Enjoy our list of Swahili proverbs, Swahili phrases and Swahili sayings. "Unity is strength, division is weakness." - Swahili Proverb. ~ Bondei proverb; A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has its place. If you are carried don't slacken your legs. Cf. Two [hands] are an anointment. Where there's a will there's a way. Big people prefer possessions, while small ones prefer sharing possessions. ", 122. Swahili African Proverbs. ~Swahili proverb, Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. African quotes and African sayings have wisdom and inspiration in them! Penye uzia penyeza rupia. ~ Swahili proverb; Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. 27. This saying was used in a proclamation where everybody had to turn up - V. Refers to the cruelty of life - SPK makes it less unbearable - ZO.