Proverbs
Yorùbá Proverbs are wise sayings passed through generations to teach historical lessons, highlight good morals, and instil social values. The use of a Yorùbá Proverb by a younger person is prohibited in the presence of an older person, without prior permission to do so.
Below is a table of some Yorùbá Proverbs, their literary translations and meanings:
Yorùbá Proverb |
Literal Translation |
Meaning |
The white chicken does not realise its age |
Respect yourself |
|
The soup does not move round in an elder’s belly |
You should be able to keep secrets |
|
A sculptor is summoned and the woodpecker shows up |
Never think too highly of yourself |
|
Little by little is how the pig’s nose enters the yard |
Attend to a small problem before it becomes uncontrollable |
|
The king’s palace that got burnt added beauty to it |
Every cloud has a silver lining |
