Folklore

1523. SUKUMA: B’ALINIKANDIJA.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako yandija kuli munhu uyo wikalaga muchalo ja Ng’watuju. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, witaga mihayo yawiza kunguno ya nhungwa jakwe ijawiza jinijo umuwikaji bhokwe. Aliyo lulu, abhanhu bhanhayaga shibhi kunguno ya wilu bhobho bhunubho. Hunagwene agayomba giki, “b’alinikandija.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alinikujo lya witegeleja bho gwiyumilija ulu bhalindukila abhiye umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ung’wunuyo, bhaganhaga shibi na gunkolya abhangi kunguno ya wilu na bhudaki bhobho. Uweyi agiyumilija umumihayo yiniyo mpaga odula guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, kunguno ya likujo na witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wununyo agikolaga nuyo agiyumilija aho oyombagwa shib’i na bhiye, kunguno nuweyi agiyumilijaga ulu alidalahwa na gusigwa na bhiye mpaga odula guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “b’alinikandija.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza ni kujo lya witegeleja bho gwiyumilija ulu bhaliyombwa shibhi na bhichabho, kugiki bhadule gujilela chiza ikaya jabho jiniyo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Akahayile kenako kalibhizukija abhanhu giki imihayo imibhi igaminyaga ng’holo ja bhanhu, gashinaga lulu, yigelelilwe bhajitumile indemi jabho bho gubhalela chiza abhichabho, umukikalile kabho kenako.

Zaburi 34 34:13.

Mithali 16:28.

Mathayo 5:11.

Waefeso 4:29.

SWAHILI: WANANIBEZA.

Asili ya msemo huu inaweza kufuatiliwa hadi kwa mtu aliyeishi katika kijiji cha Mwatuju. Mtu huyo aliwatendea wengine mema kwa sababu ya mwenendo wake mzuri maishani mwake. Hata hivyo, watu walimsema vibaya kwa sababu ya wivu wao. Ndiyo maana alisema “wananibeza.”

Msemo huu hulinganishwa kwa mtu mwenye hekima nzuri ya kubaki mvumilivu wakati wengine wakimtukana maishani mwake. Mtu huyu hushutumiwa kwa uwongo, hukosolewa, au hunenwa vibaya na wengine kwa sababu ya wivu, chuki, au kutoelewana. Hata wakati hajafanya kosa lolote, watu huendelea kueneza maneno mabaya juu yake. Hata hivyo, yeye huweza kuwalea vyema wanafamilia wake kwa sababu ya hekima yake hiyo nzuri ya kubaki mvumilivu anapokabiliwa na matatizo katika maisha yake hayo ya kila siku.

Mtu huyo hufanana na yule aliyebaki mvumilivu na mtulivu wakati wengine wakimtukana, kumdhihaki, au kumsengenya, kwa sababu naye pia huchagua hekima na tabia njema ya kubaki mvumilivu badala ya kulipiza kisasi anapotendewa ubaya na wengine maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana yeye husema kwamba “wananibeza.”

Msemo huo huwafundisha watu kuhusu: kuepuka umbea na maneno maovu, kuheshimu hadhi ya wengine, kuwa wavumilivu wanapokabiliwa na ukosoaji, kusema ukweli na wema, pamoja na kuelewa kwamba watu wema wakati mwingine huchukiwa bila sababu.

Msemo huo huwakumbusha watu kwamba maneno yanaweza kuumiza mioyo, na watu wanapaswa kutumia ndimi zao kwa kujenga amani badala ya kuharibu mahusiano.

Zaburi 34 34:13, “Uzuie ulimi wako na uovu na midomo yako isiseme uongo.”

Mithali 16:28, “Msengenyaji hutenganisha marafiki wa karibu.”

Mathayo 5:11, “Heri ninyi watu watakapowatukana na kuwanenea kila aina ya uovu kwa ajili yangu.”

Waefeso 4:29, “Msiruhusu maneno yoyote mabaya yatoke vinywani mwenu, bali yale tu yafaayo kwa kuwajenga wengine.”

ENGLISH: THEY TALK BADLY ABOUT ME.

The original of this saying can be traced back to a person who lived in Mwatuju village. This person did good deeds to others because of his sound conduct in his life. However, people spoke against him because of their jealousy. That is why he says “they talk badly about me.”

This saying is equated to a person who has decent wisdom of remaining patient while others insult him in his life. This person is falsely accused, criticized, or spoken against by others because of jealousy, hatred, or misunderstanding. Even when he has done nothing wrong, people continue spreading negative words about him. He however, managed to nurture well his family members because of his decent wisdom of remaining patient while facing difficulties in his daily lives.

This person resembles the one who remained patient and calm while others insulted, mocked, or gossiped about him behind his back because he also chooses wisdom and good character of remaining patient instead of revenge in his life. That is why he says “they talk badly about me.”

This saying teaches people about: avoiding gossip and evil speech, respecting the dignity of others, being patient when facing criticism, speaking truthfully and kindly, as well as understanding that good people are sometimes hated without reason.

This saying reminds people that words can wound the heart, and therefore people should use their tongues to build peace instead of destroying relationships.

Psalm 34 34:13, “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Proverbs 16:28, “A gossip separates close friends.”

Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are you when people insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any harmful talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

1488. NADINALIMELA ULUNIMAGA HENAHA.

Aho kale olihoyi munhu uyo otumamaga nimo gokwe umuchalo ja Ng’watuma. Umunhu ng’wunuyo olialemile amasemba ulu alitumama unimo gokwe gununo gadulile guntindika ugugumala wangu unimo gunuyo. Hunagwene agabhawila abho bhenhaga limela aha nimo gokwe gunuyo giki, “nadinalimela ulunimaga henaha.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina bhutungilija bho gutumama milimo yakwe chiza, umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ung’wunuyo, agigulambijaga gutumama milimo yakwe bho guyomba bhunhana mpaga oyimala chiza, kunguno ya bhutungilija bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi agapandikaga sabho ningi noyi aha kaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya bhutungilija bhokwe ubho gutumama milimo yakwe mpaka oyimala chiza chiniko, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo ogutumamaga milimo bho nduhu ilimela mpaka oyimala chiza, kunguno nuweyi agigulambijaga gutumama milimo yakwe bho guyomba bhunhana mpaga oyimala chiza, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene agayombaga giki, “nadinalimela ulunimaga henaha.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutungilija bho gwigulambija gutumama milimo yabho chiza makanza gose, kugiki bhadule gupandika sabho ja gutumamila umukaya jabho jinijo.

Hesabu 27:20.

1Samweli 9:6.

1Samweli 9:22.

Walawi 19:30.

Mithali 11:16.

KISWAHILI: SINA UTANI NIKIWA HAPA.

Hapo zamani alikuwepo mtu aliyefanya kazi yake kwenye kijiji cha Mwatuma. Mtu huyo, alikataa utani wakati wa kufanya kazi yake hiyo kwa sababu huo unaweza huchelewesha kuimaliza kazi yake hiyo. Ndiyo maana aliwaambia wale walioleta utani kwenye kazi yake hiyo kwamba, “sina utani nikiwa hapa.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye na uaminifu wa kufanya kazi zake vizuri, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, hujibidisha kufanya kazi zake kwa kuongea ukweli mpaka anazimaliza vizuri, kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo, maishani mwake. Yeye hupata mali nyingi sana katika familia yake hiyo kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo wa kufanya kazi zake mpaka anazimaliza vizuri, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyefanya kazi zake bila utani mpaka akazimaliza, kwa sababu naye hujibidisha kufanya kazi zake kwa kusema ukweli mpaka anazimaliza vizuri, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana huwaambia watu kwamba, “sina utani nikiwa hapa.”

Msemo huo hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uaminifu wa kujibidisha kuyatekeleza majukumu yao vizuri, ili waweze kupata mali za kutumia katika familia zao, maishani mwake.

Hesabu 27:20.

1Samweli 9:6.

1Samweli 9:22.

Walawi 19:30.

Mithali 11:16.

ENGLISH: I AM NOT JOKING HERE.

Once upon a time, there was a man who worked in the village of Mwatuma. This man refused to joke while doing his work because he believed joking would delay the completion of his tasks. Whenever people came to his workplace making jokes, he would say to them, “I am not joking here.”

This saying refers to a person who is serious and honest in his work. Such a person strives to do his work faithfully and speaks the truth until he completes it well. Because of his honesty and dedication, he succeeds and provides well for his family.

That person resembles the man who refused to joke while working until he finished his task. In the same way, he remains focused and truthful until his work is completed successfully. That is why he confidently says, “I am not joking here.”

This saying teaches people the importance of seriousness, honesty, and hard work in fulfilling their responsibilities so that they may prosper and support their families throughout their lives.

The lesson of this saying is supported by Scripture:

In Book of Numbers 27:20, responsibility and honor are given to a faithful leader.

In First Book of Samuel 9:6 and 9:22, we see respect for truth and proper conduct.

In Book of Leviticus 19:30, people are called to reverence and seriousness in holy matters.

In Book of Proverbs 11:16, we learn that honorable and diligent behavior brings reward.

1446. JIGAFULAGWA JILINA MATU.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile munhu uyo olina matu gawiza. Abhanhu bhang’wilaga imihayo oigwa chiza kunguno olina matu ayo gigwaga chiza pye imihayo yabho. Umunhu ng’wunuyo aliadinhalali umuwikaji bhokwe kunguno ya wigwi bhokwe bhunubho ubho wiza. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wila giki, “jigafulagwa jilina matu.”

Ulusumo lunulo, lugalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo alina masala masoga agagwiigwa chiza na bhanhu na gugikalana chiza amalange ayo agalangagwa na bhatale bhakwe, umukikalile kakwe kenako. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhudegelekaga na guwikalana chiza ubhulungwa ubho agalangagwa na bhatale bhakwe bhenabho, kunguno ya masala gakwe agawiza genayo umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Uweyi agayibhejaga chiza ikaya yakwe kunguno ya masala gakwe agawiza genayo, umukikalile kakwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo olina matu gawiza ayo giyigwaga chiza imihayo iyo owilagwa na bhiye, kunguno nuweyi agawikalanaga chiza ubhulangwa ubho agalangagwa na bhatale bhakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’wilaga giki, “jigafulagwa jilina matu.”

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na masala gagulikalana chiza ililange lya bhatale bhabho kugiki bhadule gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho bhunubho.

Mathayo 13:1-8.

Marko 4:1-9.

Luka 8:4-8’

KISWAHILI: HUFUNDISHWA ALIYE NA MASIKIO.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo huangalia mtu yule ambaye ana masikio yenye uwezo wa kusikia vizuri. Watu hulimweleza maneno yao ambayo huyasikia vizuri kwa sababu ana masikio yenye uwezo wa kuyasikia vizuri. Mtu huyo hakuwa mbishi katika maisha yake kwa sababu ya masikio yake kuwa na uwezo mzuri wa kusikia maneno ya wenzake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “hufundishwa aliye na masikio.”

Methali hiyo, hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule ambaye ana akili nzuri za kuyaishi vizuri malezi anayofundishwa na walezi wake, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huyasikiliza kwa makini na kuyaishi vizuri malezi anayofundishwa na walezi wake hao, kwa sababu ya akili nzuri alizonazo, maishani mwake. Yeye hufanikiwa vizuri katika kuilea vyema familia yake hiyo kwa sababu ya akili yake hiyo nzuri katika kuyaishi vizuri malezi aliyofundishwa na walezi wake.

Mtu hiyo, hufanana na yule aliyekuwa na masikio yenye uwezo wa kusikia vizuri maneno aliyoambiwa na wenzake, kwa sababu naye ana akili nzuri ya kuyaishi vizuri malezi anayopewa na walezi wake, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humwambia kwamba, “hufundishwa aliye na masikio.”

Methali hiyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na akili nzuri ya kuyaishi vizuri malezi wanayopewa na walezi wao, ili waweze kuzilea vyema familia zao, maishani mwao.

Mathayo 13:1-8.

Marko 4:1-9.

Luka 8:4-8.

ENGLISH: THE ONE WHO HAS EARS IS TAUGHT.

The source of this proverb refers to a person who has ears that can hear well. Such a person listens carefully when others speak to him, and people take time to explain things to him because he understands and values what he hears. He is not careless or foolish in his life, because his ability to listen well enables him to learn from his peers. That is why people say, “the one who has ears is taught.”

This proverb is related to a person who has a good mind and is able to live according to the upbringing taught to him by his guardians. Such a person listens attentively, understands the guidance given to him, and practices it faithfully in his life. Because of this good mind and willingness to learn, he succeeds in raising his own family well, applying the values and discipline he received from his caregivers.

This person is like the one who has ears that hear clearly the words spoken by others. In the same way, he has a mind that is open to instruction and wisdom. Because he listens, understands, and puts into practice what he is taught, people say of him, “the one who has ears is taught.”

This proverb imparts in people an importance of having an open and attentive mind, so that they may live well according to the upbringing given to them by their caregivers and, in turn, raise their families well in life.

Matthew 13:1–8.
Mark 4:1–9.
Luke 8:4–8.

1440. NAJA.

Aho kale olihoyi munhu uyo agasumba lugendo lo guja bhugeni. Umunhu ng’wunuyo agabhitana abhanwani bhakwe bhuja aha kaya yakwe kunguno ya gubhalaga. Aho bhaja abhanwani bhakwe bhenabho abhagabhawila giki bhikale mhola uweyi aligeniha. Hunagwene agayomba giki, “naja.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo agikalaga chiza na bhanhu bha ha kaya yake. Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agabhalangaga lilange lya gwikala bhitogilwe chiza bho gwiyambilija gutumama milimo yabho chiza, kunguno ya bhutungilija bhokwe bhunubho umuwikaji bhokwe. Uweyi apandikaga mbango ja gwikala na bhuyegi aha kaya yakwe yiniyo kunguno ya bhutungilija bhokwe bhunubho ubho guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe, umukikalile kakwe kenako.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo, agikolaga nuyo agabhitana gubhalaga abhanwani bhakwe aho ohaya gugeniha, kunguno nuweyi agajaga gujubhalanga lilange lya gwikala chiza na bhanhu umuwikaji bhokwe. Hunagwene ulu alibhalaga agayombaga giki, “naja.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhanhu higulya ya gubhiza na bhutungilija bho gubhalela chiza abhanhu bhabho, kugiki bhadule gwikala na bhuyegi umukaya jabho jinijo.

Kutoka 18:27.

1Wafalme 8:66.

Marko 6:46.

2 Wakorintho 2:13.

KISWAHILI: NAENDA.

Hapo zamani alikuwepo mtu aliyetaka kusafiri kwenda ugenini. Mtu huyo aliwaita rafiki zake kwenda nyumbani kwake kwa sababu alitaka kuwaaga. Walipofika kwake wale rafiki zake aliwaambia wakae salama kwa sababu yeye alikuwa anaenda ugenini. Ndiyo maana aliwaambia kwamba, “naenda.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule anayeishi vizuri na watu wa nyumbani mwake katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huwafundisha watu wake malezi ya kuishi kwa upendo wakisaidiana vizuri katika kufanya kazi zao, kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo maishani mwake. Yeye hupata baraka za kuishi kwa furaha katika familia yake hiyo kwa kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo wa kuwafundisha malezi mema watu wake, katika maisha yake.

Mtu huyo, hufanana na yule aliyewaita rafiki zake ili awaage alipotaka kusafiri, kwa sababu naye kuenda kuwafundisha malezi mema watu wake katika maisha yake. Ndiyo maana anapotaka kuwaacha huwaambia kwamba, “naenda.”

Msemo huyo, hufundisha watu juu ya kuwa na uaminifu wa kuwalea vyema watu wao, ili waweze kuishi kwa furaha katika familia zao, maishani mwao.

Kutoka 18:27.

1Wafalme 8:66.

Marko 6:46.

2 Wakorintho 2:13.

ENGLISH: I AM GOING.

Once upon a time, there was a man who wanted to travel abroad. Before leaving, he invited his friends to his house so that he could say goodbye to them. When they arrived, he spoke to them kindly and encouraged them to live safely and peacefully together, because he was about to depart. That is why he said to them, “I am going.”

This saying is equated to a person who lives well with the people in his household. Such a person teaches his family good upbringing: to live with love, to help one another, and to work together honestly. Because of his integrity and good example, he receives blessings and lives happily with his family.

This person is like the man who called his friends together before his journey. Before leaving, he made sure to leave behind good teachings and wise guidance. In the same way, a responsible person prepares his people well before he departs, whether through words, actions, or example. That is why he can confidently say, “I am going.”

This saying teaches the importance of honesty, responsibility, and good upbringing, so that people may live in peace and happiness within their families and communities.

Exodus 18:27

1 Kings 8:66

Mark 6:46

2 Corinthians 2:13.

1436. LINZWI LILINA MATAMBI.

Imbuki ya kahayile kenako ihoyelile linzwi ilo ligakulaga bho guja hasi mpaga lyabhiza na matambi agagulidimila ilinti ilitale ilo lilina matambi galyo. Ilinzwi linilo ligabhizaga na nguzu ja gudula gugudimila unti intale pye na matambi gago kunguno ya bhujamu bholyo. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagalitanaga giki, “linzwi lilina matambi.”

Akahayile kenako kagalenganijiyagwa kuli munhu uyo atolile mpaga upandika bhana bhingi, bhizukuru na bhizimbili bhakwe, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Umunhu ung’wunuyo agayilelaga chiza ikaya yakwe bho guilanga gutumama milimo ya gubhapandikila matwajo gaguyilanhanila chiza ikaya yiniyo kunguno ya witegelecha bhokwe bhunubho, umukikalile kakwe kenako. Uweyi agapandikaga matwajo mingi noyi akaya yakwe kunguno ya witegeleja bhokwe bhunubho ubho guyilela chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe.

Umunhu ng’wunuyo agikolaga ni linzwi ilo lilina matambi ga gugudimila unti na matambi gago, kunguno nu weyi alina nanguzu na witegeleja bhutale ubho guyilela na guyilanhana chiza ikaya yakwe yiniyo, umuwikaji bhokwe bhunubho. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagang’witanaga giki, “linzwi lilina matambi.”

Akahayile kenako kalanga bhitoji higulya ya gubhiza na witegeleja bho gujilela chiza ikaya jabho, kugiki bhadule gupandika matwajo mingi umukaya jabho jinijo, umuwikaji bhobho.

Mwanzo 17:7.

2 Samweli 5:12.

Yohana 15:1-9.

KISWAHILI: MZIZI WENYE MATAWI.

Chanzo cha msemo huo huongelea juu ya mzizi unaokua kwa kwenda chini ya ardhi mpaka unapata matawi ya kuweza kuushikiria mti mkubwa wenye matawi. Mzizi huo huwa na nguvu za kuweza kuushikiria mti mkubwa wenye matawi yake kwa sababu ya uimara wake huo. Ndiyo maana watu huuita jina la “mzizi wenye matawi.”

Msemo huo hulinganishwa kwa mtu yule aliyeoa akapata watoto wengi, wajukuu na vilembe, katika maisha yake. Mtu huyo, huilea vyema familia yake hiyo kwa kuifundisha kufanya kazi za kuwapatia mahitaji ya kutosha kutumia kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo maishani mwake. Yeye hupata mafanikio mengi sana kwenye familia yake kwa sababu ya uaminifu wake huo wa kuilea vyema familia hiyo, maishani mwake.

Mtu huyo hufanana na ule mzizi wenye matawi ya kuushikiria mti wenye matawi, kwa sababu naye ana nguvu na uaminifu wa kuilinda vyema familia yake hiyo, maishani mwake. Ndiyo maana watu humuita jina la “mzizi wenye matawi.”

Msemo huo hufundisha wana ndoa juu ya kuwa na uaminifu wa kuzilea vyema familia zao, ili waweze kupata maendeleo mengi katika familia zao, maishani mwao.

Mwanzo 17:7.

2 Samweli 5:12.

Yohana 15:1-9.

ENGLISH: BRANCHED ROOT

The origin of this saying comes from a root that grows underground and develops many branches strong enough to support a large tree. Because of its deep foundation and spreading branches, the root is able to hold the tree firmly and give it stability. For this reason, people call it a “branched root.”

This saying is matched to a person who gets married and is blessed with many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Such a person raises the family well by teaching them good values, responsibility, and useful skills so that they can provide for their needs. Through faithfulness, commitment, and hard work, this person builds a strong and successful family.

Like a branched root that supports a great tree, this person has the strength, loyalty, and wisdom to protect and sustain the family throughout life. That is why he is called a “branched root.”

This saying imparts in married couples an idea of importance of faithfulness, responsibility, and dedication in raising their families. When a family is built on these virtues, it grows strong, stable, and fruitful, bringing lasting progress and blessing to future generations.

Genesis 17:7.

2 Samuel 5:12.

John 15:1–9.