Folklore

276. NTIMBA NGONGO DALYA JA NG’WAKA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile b’ulub’iji b’o matwajo mapya ga ng’waka. Abhanhu ulubhulima jiliwa, bhagikalaga na ng’humbu nhale ya gubisha, na gujilya ijiliwa jinijo. Ulu bhandya ugulub’ila bhagitimbaga ngongo na guyomba giki, ‘ntimba nyongo dalya ja ng’waka.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagatumamaga milimo yabho kubhukamu bhutale.  Hangi bhagalumbaga noyi ulu bhajipandika isabho ja matwajo ga milimo yabho yiniyo.

Abhanhu bhenabho bhagayegaga noyi ulu bhagapandika amatwajo genayo, kunguno bhagizukaga umo bhakoyelega ugujilima bho bhukamu bhatale ijikolo jinijo. Hunagwene ulu bhajilya bhagayombaga giki, ‘timba ngongo dalya ja ng’waka.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu gutumama milimo bho bhukamu bhutale, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi umuwikaji bhobho. Amatwayo genayo, gagubhambilija ijinagujibheja chiza ikaya jabho.

(Zaburi 65:9 – 13).

KISWAHILI: LIMBA MGONGO TUMEKULA VYA MWAKA.

Chanzo cha methali hii chaangalia ulaji wa mara ya kwanza wa malimbuko, yaani mavuno mapya ya mwaka. Watu wakilima mazao ya chakula huwa na hamu kubwa ya kupata mavuno mengi na kuyatumia kwa kuyala. Wakianza kula kwa mara ya kwanza, hujipiga mgongo kwa ngumi wakisema, ‘Limba mgongo tumekula vya mwaka.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu wale wafanyao kazi zao kwa bidii kubwa. Wao hushukuru sana wakipata mali za mavuno ya kilimo chao. Watu hao hufurahi sana wakipata mavuno hayo, kwa sababu ya kukumbuka walivyohangaika katika kulima kwa bidii kubwa. Ndiyo maana wakianza kuyaonja malimbuko husema, ‘Limba mgongo tumekula vya mwaka.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu kufanya kazi kwa bidii kubwa ili waweze kupata mavuno mengi maishani mwao. Mavuno hayo yatawasaidia katika kuzijenga vizuri familia zao.

(Zaburi 65:9 – 13).

 

 

maize food

ENGLISH: LET US PUNCH THE BACKS; WE HAVE EATEN THE YEAR’S FRUITS.

The origin of this proverb is eating for the first time of the new fruits of crops in the year. People who grow food crops have a strong desire to get more harvests and to use it for their meals. When they start eating the fruits for the first time, they hit their back with a fist saying, ‘Let’s punch the backs, we have eaten the year’s new fruits.’

The proverb is used comparatively with reference to those who work hard. Such people are also very grateful when they receive the fruits of their agricultural harvest. These people are very happy when they get the harvest, because they remember their hard work and effort they put during farming season. That is why when they start eating the the first fruits of their crops say, ‘Let’s punch the backs we have eaten the year’s new fruits.’

The proverb teaches people to work hard so that they can get the most out of their lives. The fruits of their hard work will help them to build their families better.

(Psalm 65: 9-13).

275. NDYA BHUJIKU.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenaka ilolile sada iyo umunhu agasadaga bhujiku duhu. Isada yinino igankoyaga noi umunhu ng’wuniyo ahikanza ilya bhujiku, ulu wela yapila. Ulu wila hangi ubhujiku isada yiniyo yandya ugunkoya unsadu ng’wunuyo. Isada yiniyo igankoyaga bhujiku duhu. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagiitanaga isada yiniyo giki, ‘ndya bhujiku.’

Akahayile kenaka kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagabhisaga ginhu ijo jigabhakoyaga, giti sada ya bhujiku iyo igankoyaga unsadu bhujiku duhu.  Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhizaga adina wiyabhi, nulu lubhango ahagati ya bhanhu abho abhabhisile ilikoye linilo. Hunagwene umunhu ng’wunuyo agawilagwa giki alina ‘ndya bhujiku.’

Akahayile kenaka kalanga bhanhu kuleka gubhisa makoye giti ga sada. Gashinaga yigelelilwe abhanhu bhenabho bhilange kajile kaguyuja gusibhitali kujupima imimili yabho, kugiki bhadule gubhulang’hana chiza ubhupanga bhobho.

(Walawi 13: 2 – 3; Luka 4:27)

KISWAHILI: ILAYO USIKU.

Chanzo cha msemo huu chaangalia ugonjwa ambao mtu huugua usiku tu. Ugonjwa huo humsumbua sana mtu huyo wakati wa usiku, kukicha unapona. Usiku ukiingia, ugonjwa unaanza kumsumbua tena mtu huyo, kwa sababu wenyewe humuhangaisha usiku tu. Ndiyo maana watu huuita ndwele ‘ilayo usiku.’

Msemo huu hulinganishwa kwa watu wale wafichao matatizo, yakiwemo yale ya ugonjwa uwasumbuao, kama ule ulao usiku tu. Watu hao huwa hawana raha, wala uhuru wawapo kati ya watu wale waliowaficha tatizo hilo. Ndiyo maana watu hao huambiwa kwamba, wana ‘ilayo usiku.’

Msemo huo hufundisha watu kuacha kuficha matatizo, yakiwemo yale ya ugonjwa. Yafaa watu hao wajijengea tabia ya kupima mara kwa mara afya zao ili waweze kuulinda vizuri uhai wao.

(Walawi 13: 2 – 3; Luka 4:27).

 

 

girl sleeping

ENGLISH: THAT WHICH EATS AT NIGHT.

The origin of this saying is an illness that troubles a person during night times only. Such illness bothers the person very much at that time, but gets better during the day. Thus, each time when night falls, the illness also starts to trouble the person, because it only bothers him/her at night. That’s why people call it ‘that which eats at night.’

The saying is comparatively used to people who hide their problems, including serious illnesses, such as those which eat them at night, to draw their attention to the fact that what they do is not right. Such people are often restless, and they are usually not free in the eyes of those whom they hide. That is why such people are told that they have ‘that which eats at night.’

The saying imparts in people an idea of refraining from hiding problems, including illnesses. These people should develop a habit of regularly going for body checkups to ensure that they are always healthy.

(Leviticus 13: 2 – 3; Luke 4:27).

274. NCHA ALILE SHANGU NA GUBHOLA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile kajikilwe ka ng’wa munhu uyo alinsabhi o ng’ombe. Unsabhi o ng’ombe ng’wunuyo ulu ucha agakumbagwa ndili ndoto ya ng’ombe, kugiki wanguhe ugubhola, nu bhubhi bho lufu, bhushile wangu.

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagajitumilaga chiza isabho jabho umuwikaji bhobho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhadebhile igiki bhalacha bhujileka isabho jinijo. B’agabhalangaga na abhichab’o gwikala bho mholele na bhanhu, umumayange nu mubhuyegi. B’adebhile ugubhalunguja abhanhu abho bhali na mayange, kugiki bhagamale wangu na bhomholele. Hunagwene bhagayombaga ahikanza lya mayange giki, ‘ncha alile shangu na gubhola.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu gwikala bho mholele na bhanhu ijinagutumila chiza isabho jabho. Uwikaji bhunubho bhugub’alunguja abho b’alimumayange, kugiki bhamanile wangu na gwandya kutumama milimo yabho.

(Ufunuo 14:13)

KISWAHILI: AFAYE AMEKULA NI MWEPESI KUOZA.

Chanzo cha methali hii chaangalia namna azikwavyo mtu mwenye utajiri wa ng’ombe. Tajiri huyo akifa, huviringiwa ngozi mbichi ya ng’ombe ili awahi kuoza aepuke ubaya wa kifo mapema.

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa watu wale watumiao vizuri mali zao maishani mwao. Watu hao hufahamu kwamba watakufa na kuziacha mali hizo. Hivyo, huwafundisha wenzao kuishi kwa amani na watu, wakati wa matatizo na ule wa furaha. Watu hao huelewa pia namna ya kuwafariji watu walio na matatizo, yakiwemo yale ya misiba, ili wayamalize mapema na kwa amani. Ndiyo maana huwaambia walioko kwenye msiba kwamba, ‘afaye amekula ni mwepezi kuoza.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu kuishi kwa amani na watu wengine watumiapo vizuri mali zao. Maisha hayo yatawafariji wale walioko kwenye misiba, ili waizoee mapema hali hiyo, kiasi cha kutosha kuendelea na kazi zao, kwa sababu ‘afaye amekula ni mwepezi kuoza.’

 “Kisha nikasikia sauti kutoka mbinguni ikisema, “Andika: Wamebarikiwa wale wafao katika Bwana tangu sasa.”

 “Naam,’’ asema Roho, “watapumzika kutoka katika taabu zao, kwa kuwa matendo yao yatawafuata.’’”

(Ufunuo 14:13).

 

 

stone cross

ENGLISH: HE WHO DIES AFTER EATING DECAYS FAST.

The origin of this proverb is a livestock-rich person’s burial. When such a person dies, he is shrouded in a fresh cow skin, so that he/she may decay fast and do away with the badness of death.

The proverb is used comparatively to commend those people who make good use of their assets. These people know that they will die and leave the assets behind. Thus, they teach their fellows about how to live in peace with people, in times of trouble and in happiness. They also understand how to comfort people who have experienced tragedies, such as disasters, to solve them in time and in peace. That is why people tell those who are in bereavement grief that, ‘he who dies after eating decays fast.’

The proverb teaches people to live in peace and use their property properly. They will comfort those in bereavement so that they can accept the situation and adjust acordingly enough to continue their daily life, because, ‘He who dies after eating decays fast.’

 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying,”Write, Blessed are they that die in the Lord from henceforth.”

 “Yea,” saith the Spirit, “shall rest from their troubles, for their works shall follow them. ‘” (Revelation 14:13).

273. MUMBI AGALILAGA MULUJO

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile mumbi o nungu. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agajibhumbaga inungu insoga ojijinja, kunguno ijene hijo jigang’wenhelaga hela umunimo gokwe gunuyo. Uweyi agalekelaga tunungu tub’i duhu, hutwene uto agalilaga ijiliwa umunhu ng’wunuyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘mumbi agalilaga mulujo.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agadililaga sabho kukila ubhupanga bhokwe na abhanhu bhakwe.  Umunhu ng’wunuyo agilekanijaga na agab’alekanijaga abhanhu bhakwe bho nduhu ugub’inha uwambilija ubho bhalilomba, aliyo isabho alinajo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘mumbi agalilaga mulujo.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu kwilonja na kulonja bhanhu bhabho, nulu bhupanga bhobho, gukila isabho. Ubhulonja bhunubho bhugubhambilija abhanhu bhenabho ijinagujitumila isabho jabho bho gulang’hana bhupanga bhobho, na bho bhanhu bhabho.

(Luka 15: 13- 15; Mhubiri 7:16).

KISWAHILI: MFINYANZI HULIA GAENI.

Chanzo cha methali hii chaangalia mfinyanzi wa vyungu. Mtu huyo hufinyaga vyungu vilivyo vizuri na kuviuza, kwa sababu ndivyo vimleteavyo fedha katika biashara yake.  Ndiyo maana, watu husema kwamba ‘mfinyanzi hulia gaeni.’

Methali hii hulinganishwa kwa mtu ambaye hujali mali zaidi kuliko uhai wake na wa watu wake. Mtu huyo hujiachia na huwatelekeza watu wake, kwa kutowapatia msaada wauombao, wakati mali anazo.  Ndiyo maana watu husema kwamba, ‘mfinyanzi hulia gaeni.’

Methali hii hufundisha watu kujali zaidi uhai wao na wa watu wao kuliko mali. Kujali kwa namna hiyo kutawasaidia watu hao katika kuzitumia mali hizo kwa kuulinda uhai wao na ule wa wenzao.

(Luka 15: 13 – 15; Mhubiri 7:16).

 

potter

 

pot broken

ENGLISH: A POTTER DINES ON A POTSHERD.

The origin of this proverb is a potter. Such a person makes and sells the good pots, because they are the ones that bring him/her good money in his/her business. That’s why, people say ‘A potter dines on a potsherd.’

The proverb is comparatively used to a person who is concerned about material things more than his/her life and the lives of his/her people. Such a person abandons his/her people by not giving them the care and help they need and ask for, while he/she is financially capable of helping them. That is why people say, ‘A potter eats on a potsherd.’

The proverb teaches people to care more for the lives of their people than they do to wealth. Such care will help people to use the assets they have by protecting their own and other peoples’ lives.

(Luke 15: 13 – 15; Ecclesiastes 7:16).

272. MULALYE INYAMA ALUNKILA MULADENHELE.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenaka ilolile nyama na nkila go ntugo uyo munhu ob’ilisaga kuli munhu nebhe. Ing’ombe iyo munhu ob’ilisilagwa ulu yucha, inyama yayo agalyaga umilisilwa, ilikunza nu nkila agachalilagwa ung’winikili mitugo. Hunagwene umilisi ng’wunuyo agabhab’awilaga abhanhu abho aliob’ab’ilisila giki, ‘mulalye inyama alunkila muladenhele.’

Akahayile kenaka kagalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhagikalaga na bhutungilija bho gwilang’hanija sabho. Abhanhu bhenabho bhagajigolaga chiza isabho ja bhanhu abho bhabhab’ilisila. Hunagwene abhenikili ng’ombe jinijo bhagabhawilaga abhanhu bhenabho giki, ‘mulalye inyama alunkila muladenhele.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu gubhiza bhatungilija umubhulang’hani bho jikolo ja bhanhu. Ubhutungilija bhunubho bhugubhambilija abhanhu bhenabho ugwikala bho mholele na bhichabho, umuwikaji bhobho.

(Mwanzo 42:16 – 17).

KISWAHILI: MKILA NYAMA MKIA MTATULETEA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia nyama na mkia wa mfugo ambao mtu aliukabidhi kwa mtu fulani, kwa ajili ya kuutunza. Ng’ombe aliyepewa mtu kumtunza akifa, nyama yake huliwa na mtunzaji wa ng’ombe huyo. Mkia wake pamoja na ngozi yake hupelekwa kwa mwenye ng’ombe kama ushahidi wa kufa kwa ng’ombe huyo. Ndiyo maana mwenye mali au mmiliki wa ng’ombe humwambia yule aliyempatia ng’ombe ili awatunze kwamba, ‘mkila nyama mkia mtatuletea.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu walio waaminifu katika utunzaji wa mali za watu wengine. Watu hao huitunza vizuri mali hiyo ya watu waliowakabidhi. Ndiyo maana wale waliowapatia mali hiyo huwaambia watu hao kwamba, ‘mkila nyama mkia mtatuletea.’

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu kuwa waaminifu katika utunzaji wa mali za watu wengine. Uaminifu huo utawasaidia watu hao katika kuishi kwa amani na wenzao maishani mwao.

(Mwanzo 42:16 – 17).

ngorongoro

ENGLISH: WHEN YOU EAT THE MEAT BRING US THE TAIL.

The origin of saying is meat and tail of a domesticated animal such as a cow that someone hands over to someone for the purpose of allowing the other person keep it. When such animal dies, its meat is eaten by the keeper, but the skin and the tail are taken to the owner of the livestock as proof of its death. That is why the owner of the herd tells the keeper that, ‘when you eat the meat, bring us the tail.’

The saying is used comparatively to commend people who are honest in other people’s property management. These people take good care of the property entrusted to them. That is why, when a cow dies, the owner tells those people that, ‘when you eat the meat bring us the tail.’’

The proverb teaches people to be honest in the management of other people’s property. That trust will help those people to live peacefully with their fellows.

(Genesis 42:16 – 17).