Wisdom of Proverbs

 Proverbs as Common Ground

Most of us already know what proverbs are. We’ve heard or read them as witty quotes or shortcut messages  meant to guide us. Pithy, they are often easy to remember and, therefore, easy to pass along to others.

This Icelandic Proverb is a perfect example:

Although he comes and cuts me down, I’ll grow again next spring

This proverb is about resiliency, about not giving up when loss threatens.

Another easy to understand proverb from Spain:

Half a loaf is better than none  

Also known as 'something is better than nothing'.

Proverbs point to attitudes or perspectives that are beneficial and can, hopefully, steer us towards the successful handling of difficult situations. In other works, how to think about situations that might otherwise be difficult or overwhelming.

A member of the folklore family these short experience-based wisdom sayings based upon folk knowledge are anonymous and can be found in every spoken language. Akin to riddles and fables, they, too, were shared orally.

What’s interesting is that many of the same basic proverbs can be found in different regions of the world. This suggests that there are shared kernels of common sense among all of us.

Enjoy this video to see more proverbs!

Folklore: Proverb Phrases

 

The Folklore of Proverb Phrases

Proverbs are short pithy sayings that reflect a general truth or piece of folk wisdom. These phrases are often metaphorical; animals, foods and other objects the speaker and the audience are familiar are used to with to illustrate the point. They also describe a basic rule of conduct that is also known as a maxim.

Here are some easy to understand examples of proverb phrases (sensible standalone sentences) from a range of cultures:

American/ English:

• Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
• Every ass loves to hear himself bray.
• Haste makes waste.

Africa:

• A man doesn’t go far from where his corn is roasting.
• Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.
• A large chair does not make a king.

Asian:

• Talk does not cook rice.
• A crooked branch has a crooked shadow.
• Overturned water does not go back into the bowl.

German: 

• You can't chew with somebody else's teeth.
• Too many cooks spoil the broth.
• Talking is silver, silence is golden.

India:

• An old patient is better than a new doctor.
• Never strike your wife, even with a flower.
• Pearls are worthless in the desert.

Scandinavian:

• ‘Almost’ does not push a man off his horse.
• Empty barrels rattle the loudest.
• Mistakes should be expected of beginners.

Russian/Slavic:

• If you chase two hares, you will not catch either.
• It is better to turn back than to get lost.
• A lie has short legs.

Folklore Fun:  

Try to create your own proverb phrases. Think of a lesson or moral you’d like to share with others and find words that best describe that idea.

Related Information:

Insomnia Folk Remedies 

Old Wive’s Tales