Ovimbundu Wisdom! No. 7

Here are some more Ovimbundu wisdom proverbs.  Enjoy!

Proverb 1: Mwela ke bamukwata na maboko ne.

Translation: Wind is never caught by hand.

Explanation:  You can never recall your words once they are out!

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Proverb 2: Kuja kwa lubilo kulengela kwishipawila.

Translation:  To eat with speed causes one to spit out continuously.

Explanation:  It is not good to criticize a person until you know all the facts!

Ovimbundu Wisdom! No.6

Here are more Ovimbundu wisdom proverbs.  Enjoy!

Proverb 1:  Epungu liwa konendela; omola sole kununulu.

Translation:  Early corn is best, so the firstborn is the one to delight in.

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Proverb 2: Esalamiho liulume ka li enda no posi.

Translation: Labor has sure reward.

Ovimbundu Widsom! No. 5

Here are more Ovimbundu wisdom proverbs.  Enjoy!

Proverb 1: Epuku liocili te eli lioku pukula Suku.

Translation: God’s displeasure is a serious thing; that of others can be endured.

 

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Proverb 2: Ca pata usitue, ocilala ci sule.

 

Translation: Relatives are a better defense than a fortress.

Ovimbundu Wisdom! No. 4

Here is more Ovimbundu wisdom pertinent for the upcoming Mother's Day.  Enjoy.

Proverb: Ina yukuene ndan onin ndekumbi, la kalisoki wove.

Literal Translation: Even though the mother of another shines like the sun, you will never replace your own mother.
 
Meaning: Nobody can substitute the tenderness and dedication of one's mother.

Ovimbundu Wisdom No. 3

More Ovimbundu wisdom.  Enjoy!

Proverb: Ukwenje Wang Kayula-Yula

Literal Translation:  My partner never gets wet.

Formal Meaning:  "What is the thing which has the shape of a person and never gets wet?  It is the shadow" (Ocilelembia or ocimbelembe).  Some external things cannot affect us.

Ovimbundu Wisdom! No.2

Here is more Ovimbundu wisdom to start the week.  Enjoy.

Proverb: Ilongo ikukuata; kaiole.  Maka akukute: kaol.

Literal Translation: Problems dry not rot. (Unresolved issues remain)

Meaning: We should not run away from problems or delay its resolution while today has the best solution.

Ovimbundu Wisdom!

The Ovimbundu people comprise the largest 'tribe' in Angola, some 37% of the peoples, and though they are spread throughout Angola as a result of the civil war, they are mostly located in the Benguela / Central Highlands in the mid to southern part of the country.

The Ovimbundu have their own distinct and interesting culture and inherent within the culture are unique wisdom sayings in their language, Umbundu.  

I will periodically share some some of the wisdom sayings and folklore here.  Enjoy!

Proverb:  Okulya Omuma yolonjinji, okukuliha okupunja.

Literal Translation:  To eat the liver of the ant is necessary to know quartering.

Meaning:  It's the little things which show the character of a great man.