PROVERBS ON LIFE IN GENERAL
- Makikerchin kirukik aeng' eng biy akenge.
Two bulls cannot stay in the same cowshed.
This is a comment on rivalry, for example, if two people's enmity can be traced to their having similar economic success.
This is a comment on rivalry, for example, if two people's enmity can be traced to their having similar economic success.
- Ng'wan eng’ kut sise eng’ moo.
Even if it is bitter in the mouth, by the time it gets to
the stomach the bitterness will have disappeared.
This is a general comment advising peope not to be too choosy with food. For example, if a person comments that the food he was offered was tasteless, this proverb is used to dilute his complaint.
This is a general comment advising peope not to be too choosy with food. For example, if a person comments that the food he was offered was tasteless, this proverb is used to dilute his complaint.
- Mo ekyin kerati.
It is never late for the bush.
It is never too late to go and work in the farm. However late one may do to a task, if he really means to work he can do something worthwile. This proverb is equivalent to "better late than never".
It is never too late to go and work in the farm. However late one may do to a task, if he really means to work he can do something worthwile. This proverb is equivalent to "better late than never".
- Chepya kobo chi.
However bad it may be, it belongs to someone.
An article or some property may not appear valuable in the eyes of the public, but to the Owner it is valuable.
An article or some property may not appear valuable in the eyes of the public, but to the Owner it is valuable.
- Ngobo kipng'ulya kobo, ngobo boisio kobo.
When it is play, it is play; but when it is business it is
business.
Every aspect of life has its own time and place.
Every aspect of life has its own time and place.
- Kerkei kiyaki ak kororibo met.
Livestock is like hair.
Livestock can be swept like all hair can be shaved from one's head. Since livestock is so important to the Kalenjin, it is a big blow when one's livestock die in large numbers. This proverb is a philosophical way Of coping with the possibility of losing a whole herd.
Livestock can be swept like all hair can be shaved from one's head. Since livestock is so important to the Kalenjin, it is a big blow when one's livestock die in large numbers. This proverb is a philosophical way Of coping with the possibility of losing a whole herd.
- Kerichotab mat ko mat.
If a person commits an abominable crime, he needs to be given a punishment of equal weight in order to teach him a lesson and also to warn those who may be tempted to follow his footsteps
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