heritage

277. NYAMA YA MBOKU UDILYA.

Imbuki ya lusumo lunulo ilolile nyama ya ng’wa munhu uyo alimboku. Inyama ya ng’wa munhu ng’wunuyo, igikalaga na mapalala mingi, kunguno uwei adabhonaga. Kuyiniyo lulu, inyama yiniyo igazuganijiyagwa na mapalala gayo genayo, ayogagib’ipyaga. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagayombaga giki, ‘nyama ya mboku udilya.’

Ulusumo lunulo lugalenganijiyagwa kubhanhu abho bhali na miito gabhubhi. Amiito genayo gagigaluchaga ni mihayo yabho yab’iza mib’i. Amiito genayo amabhi, gikolile nu mboku. Imihayo imibhi ikolile ni nyama iyo ili na mapalala. Hunagwene abhanhu bhagabhawilaga abha miito gabhubhi bhenabho giki, ‘nyama ya mboku udilya.’

Ulusumo lunulo lolanga bhanhu kuleka gwita miito ga bhubhi, kunguno amiito genayo gagaib’ipyaga ni mihayo yabho. Gashinaga lulu, yigelelilwe gwita miito ga wiza, ayo gagayib’ejaga ni mihayo yabho, kugiki bhadule gujibheja chiza ikaya jabho abhanhu bhenabho.’

(Mathayo 23:26).

KISWAHILI: NYAMA YA KIPOFU HUTAWEZA KUILA.

Chanzo cha methali hiyo chaangalia nyama iliyoandaliwa na mtu ambaye ni kipofu. Nyama hiyo huwa na takataka nyingi, kwa sababu ya yeye kuwa na hali ya kutoona. Hivyo, yeye huwa hawezi kukiandaa vizuri chakula chake. Ndiyo maana chakula hicho huwa na takataka nyingi. Kwa sababu hiyo, watu husema, ‘Nyama ya kipofu hutaweza kuila.’

Methali hiyo hulinganishwa kwa watu wenye matendo mabaya. Matendo hayo husababisha watu hao pia kuwa na maneno mabaya. Matendo mabaya hayo hufanana na kipofu. Maneno mabaya hufanana na nyama hiyo ya kipofu, yenye takataka nyingi. Ndiyo maana, watu huwaambia watu wengine kwa kuwarejelea watu hao wenye matendo mabaya kwamba, ‘Nyama ya kipofu hutaweza kuila’ wakiwa na maana kwamba hawatayaweza yale matendo maovu na maneno ya ovyo.

Methali hiyo hufundisha watu  kuacha kutenda matendo maovu, kwa sababu matendo hayo maovu husababisha pia wawe na maneno mabaya.  Kumbe basi, yafaa kutenda matendo mema ambayo huzaa maneno mazuri yatakiwayo kwa ajili ya kuishi vizuri katika jamii na kuleta maendeleo kwa familia zao.

(Mathayo 23:26).

 

meat food

ENGLISH: YOU CANNOT EAT THE MEAT OF A BLIND PERSON.

The origin of the proverb is meat that is prepared by a blind man. Such meat has a lot of trash, because of the person’s blindness. It is assumed that such a person can’t prepare food in a proper manner, which is why it contains a lot of garbage. That is why people also say, ‘you cannot eat the meat of a blind person.’

The proverb is used to liken people whose deeds are evil to blind persons. Such actions lead to use of inappropriate words by those people. Such evil acts are like the meat prepared by a blind person. The inappropriate words are like the trash which soil the meat during preparation. That is why people tell others with reference the evil doers that ‘you cannot eat the meat of a blind person.’

This proverb teaches people to refrain from doing evils, because those evils also lead them to inappropriate diction. It is necessary, therefore, to do good deeds that yield appropriate diction that is cherished by the societal moral guardians and that may have positive contribution to family welfare and development.

(Matthew 23:26).

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).