Madagascar, often referred to as the "Great Red Island," is a land of unparalleled biodiversity and a cultural tapestry woven from the threads of Southeast Asia, East Africa, and the Arab world. Beyond its lemurs and baobabs lies an intellectual treasure trove: the Ohabolana. In Malagasy culture, proverbs are not merely quaint sayings or folk trivia; they are the very architecture of social interaction, legal discourse, and moral philosophy. The word Ohabolana itself translates roughly to "comparison" or "representation," suggesting that wisdom is best understood through metaphor and analogy drawn from the natural world.
The oral tradition of Madagascar is profound and commands immense respect. In traditional society, the ability to speak well—using proverbs effectively—is a mark of nobility and intelligence. This oratorical art form, known as Kabary, relies heavily on the strategic deployment of ancestral wisdom to settle disputes, celebrate marriages, and honor the dead. The Malagasy worldview is deeply rooted in the concept of Fihavanana, a complex social code that emphasizes kinship, friendship, and the maintenance of harmony within the community. It is a philosophy that values consensus over conflict and the collective good over individual gain.
Furthermore, the spiritual life of the Malagasy people is inextricably linked to the Razana (ancestors) and Zanahary (God). The proverbs reflect a deep reverence for those who came before, viewing the ancestors not as gone, but as active participants in the daily lives of the living. This connection creates a sense of continuity and accountability; one’s actions are always observed by the unseen eyes of the lineage. Through these proverbs, we gain insight into a culture that balances pragmatism with spirituality, and individual responsibility with communal interdependence.
In this collection, we explore the depth of Malagasy thought. These sayings, born from the rice fields, the high plateaus, and the coastal villages, offer timeless guidance on navigating the complexities of the human experience. They teach us about the sanctity of relationships, the value of patience, and the inevitability of destiny.
POPULAR PROVERBS
The Essence of Fihavanana and Unity
"Cross the river in a crowd and the crocodile won’t eat you."
This saying vividly illustrates the protective power of unity and community. In the dangerous waters of life, facing threats alone leaves an individual vulnerable to predation and failure. However, when people stand together in solidarity, they become an intimidating force that can deter even the most formidable adversaries.
"One finger cannot catch a louse."
Precision and success often require cooperation rather than solitary effort. Just as the mechanics of the hand require opposing fingers to grasp a small object, societal problems require multiple perspectives and helping hands to be resolved. It serves as a humble reminder that self-sufficiency has its limits.
"The right hand washes the left, and the left washes the right."
Reciprocity is the heartbeat of Fihavanana. This proverb emphasizes that mutual aid is not a transaction but a symbiotic necessity for cleanliness and order. It suggests that helping a neighbor is, in essence, helping oneself, as the well-being of the parts ensures the health of the whole.
"Don’t be like the tall house that looks down on the small hut."
Arrogance destroys social harmony. This warning against pride reminds the wealthy and powerful that status does not negate shared humanity. It encourages humility and respect for those of lower station, reinforcing the idea that true nobility is found in character, not architecture or wealth.
"Those who do not love their neighbors are like a single standing tree; they fall when the wind blows."
Isolation is a precursor to destruction. A solitary tree has no buffer against the storm, just as an isolated person has no support system during tragedies. This metaphor champions the strength found in the forest of community, where individuals support and shield one another.
"Words are like eggs; when hatched, they have wings."
This proverb speaks to the uncontrollable nature of gossip and the spread of information. Once a statement is made public, it takes on a life of its own and travels far beyond the speaker's intent. It serves as a caution to maintain the unity of the group by being discreet and avoiding divisive speech.
"A canoe does not know who is king; when it turns over, everyone gets wet."
Nature and tragedy are the great equalizers that respect no hierarchy. In the face of disaster, social status becomes irrelevant, and everyone shares the same fate. This promotes a sense of shared destiny and encourages leaders to care for the safety of the collective vessel.
"Do not kick the canoe that helped you cross the river."
Gratitude is a binding moral obligation. One must never despise or harm the means or people that facilitated their success. It warns against the arrogance of forgetting one's roots and the support systems that made progress possible.
"The zebu closest to the cart pulls the hardest."
In any group or family, those closest to a problem or responsibility often bear the heaviest burden. It is an acknowledgment of the unequal distribution of labor within a community and a call for others to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of those on the front lines.
"Two men entering a forest do not fear the wild boar."
Companionship alleviates fear and instills courage. The presence of an ally transforms a terrifying situation into a manageable challenge. This reinforces the value of partnership in overcoming the wild, unpredictable elements of existence.
"Friendship is like the backside; it moves together."
Though humorous and earthy, this proverb highlights the inseparable nature of true friends. They move in tandem, sharing the same direction and rhythm in life. It emphasizes that genuine connection involves coordinated movement and physical presence.
"Do not be like the cooking pot: black on the outside but cooking white rice inside."
This is a call for authenticity, but it also notes that appearances can be deceiving in a positive way. A rough exterior may hide a pure and valuable interior. In the context of unity, it teaches people not to judge others by their superficial traits but by the substance of their character.
"Even if the rice is cooked, we still wait for the side dish."
Patience and completeness are virtues in social gatherings. One does not rush to consume the benefits of a situation before everyone and everything is ready. It reflects the ceremonial respect inherent in Malagasy dining and social interaction.
"Life is like the fragrance of a cooking pot; it reaches everyone."
Our actions and our existence impact those around us, whether we intend them to or not. Just as a scent permeates a room, a person's reputation and deeds influence the community atmosphere. It encourages living in a way that spreads a pleasant "fragrance" rather than a foul one.
"If you love the calf, you must massage the cow."
To enjoy the benefits of a relationship or a situation, one must care for the source. You cannot love a child while disrespecting their parents, nor can you enjoy the harvest without tending the soil. It speaks to the holistic nature of relationships and respect for origins.
"Men are like the rim of a pot; there is only one circle."
Ultimately, humanity is a single, unbroken circle. Despite differences in opinion or status, we are all part of the same vessel holding the sustenance of life. This is a profound statement on the universal brotherhood of man.
"Don’t be so much in love that you can’t tell when it’s raining."
While unity is good, blindness is not. This warns against losing one's pragmatic senses due to overwhelming emotion. Even in deep friendship or love, one must remain aware of the external realities and hardships of the world.
"The ox does not boast of his strength before the cart."
True strength is demonstrated through action and service to the community, not through empty words. A boastful person disrupts harmony, while a hardworking person moves the community forward. It values quiet competence over vocal arrogance.
"Shared grief is half grief; shared joy is double joy."
This universal truth finds deep resonance in Madagascar. The burden of sadness is lightened when the community mourns together, and the energy of happiness is amplified when celebrated collectively. It captures the emotional utility of Fihavanana.
"Only the stones do not die."
This reminds the community of the fragility of human life. Since we are all mortal, we must prioritize kindness and connection while we are here. It puts petty squabbles into perspective against the permanence of nature and the brevity of life.
Ancestors, Destiny, and the Divine
"God is not to be blamed, for the Creator does not share in the guilt."
This establishes the concept of free will and personal responsibility. While God (Zanahary) creates, human beings choose their paths. When things go wrong due to human error, one cannot point a finger at the divine; accountability lies on earth.
"The ancestors are not forgotten, but those who do not work are lost."
While honoring the Razana is crucial, it cannot replace living effort. Relying solely on lineage or past glory without contributing to the present leads to ruin. It balances spiritual reverence with the pragmatic necessity of labor.
"Guilt is like a young witch; it grows up to eat its owner."
A guilty conscience is a self-destructive force. If one commits a wrong and hides it, the internal rot will eventually consume them. This proverb serves as a psychological warning that immorality carries its own inherent punishment.
"Do not fight with the diviner; he knows where the poison is buried."
One must respect those with spiritual insight or specialized knowledge. Challenging wisdom figures or those who understand the hidden workings of the world is foolish and dangerous. It advises caution when dealing with the spiritual hierarchy.
"Life is a shadow and a dream."
This poetic sentiment reflects on the transient and often illusory nature of existence. It encourages a detachment from material obsessions, reminding the listener that our time on earth is fleeting and insubstantial compared to the eternal realm of the ancestors.
"God looks from above; the ancestors look from below."
A person is always under surveillance from the spiritual realm. There is no place to hide a wicked deed, as the divine watches from the heavens and the lineage watches from the earth. It enforces a constant moral mindfulness.
"Destiny is like a chameleon; it changes color with the environment."
Fate is not a fixed, rigid path but something that adapts and shifts based on circumstances and choices. This metaphor encourages adaptability and suggests that one’s fortune can change, for better or worse, depending on the context.
"The dead are not dead; they are merely invisible."
This is the central tenet of Malagasy spirituality. Death is a transition, not an end. The ancestors remain present, guiding and protecting the living. It comforts the grieving and reinforces the obligation to honor family traditions.
"Do not wait for the locusts to come before you buy a net."
Divine providence does not excuse a lack of preparation. One must anticipate the turns of destiny and prepare accordingly. It bridges the gap between fatalism and proactive planning.
"The chicken drinks water and looks to heaven."
Even the humblest creatures acknowledge the source of their sustenance. This proverb teaches gratitude and piety. Every sip of water, every bit of luck, is a gift from the creator that should be acknowledged with an upward glance of thanks.
"To die is not the tragedy; to be forgotten is the tragedy."
In a culture centered on ancestry, oblivion is the ultimate death. The goal of life is to live well enough to be remembered and revered as a Razana. It emphasizes legacy over mere survival.
"A blessing is not given to the dog."
Sacred things should be reserved for those who can appreciate and understand them. It warns against casting pearls before swine and suggests that spiritual gifts require a receptive and worthy vessel.
"The witch does not eat her own children."
Even those considered evil or malicious have limits and loyalties. It suggests that natural bonds of family usually override destructive tendencies. It implies that everyone has a code of conduct, however twisted it may seem to others.
"Do not laugh at the funeral of a stranger."
Death is a universal destiny. Mocking the misfortune of others invites bad karma, as the same fate awaits everyone. It demands respect for the grief of others, regardless of kinship.
"The earth is the wife of God."
This proverb sanctifies the natural world. Treating the earth with disrespect is an affront to the divine. It frames environmental stewardship as a religious duty and highlights the generative power of the land.
"Truth is like sugar cane; even if you chew it for a long time, it is still sweet."
The truth remains constant and valuable, no matter how much it is processed or analyzed. Unlike lies which rot, truth maintains its essential quality. It encourages honesty as a lasting source of sweetness in life.
"Lies are like flowers; they look beautiful in the morning but wither by noon."
Deception may appear attractive and useful in the short term, but it lacks longevity. This contrasts sharply with the "sugar cane" of truth, warning that the beauty of a lie is fleeting and will soon reveal its decay.
"God does not sleep."
Justice may be delayed, but it is inevitable. The divine presence is constantly aware of human actions. This offers comfort to the victimized and a warning to the oppressor that nothing goes unnoticed.
"It is not the forest that is fearful, but the spirits within it."
The physical world is neutral; it is the spiritual or hidden intent that carries danger. This can be interpreted literally regarding sacred forests, or metaphorically, meaning that a situation is only as dangerous as the intentions of the people involved.
"You cannot hide the smoke of a fire."
Just as smoke inevitably escapes and reveals the fire, the consequences of one's actions will eventually manifest. Secrets have a way of surfacing, and destiny reveals what was hidden.
Industry, Patience, and Agriculture
"The idle man does not eat the fruit of the earth."
This is a straightforward condemnation of laziness. In an agrarian society, survival is directly linked to effort. Nature yields nothing to those who refuse to work, emphasizing the moral imperative of labor.
"Slowly, slowly, brings the rice to the granary."
Haste leads to waste and loss. Gathering the harvest requires methodical, steady work rather than frantic bursts of energy. It extols the virtue of consistency and patience in achieving long-term goals.
"Do not count the chickens before the eggs hatch."
A universal sentiment found in Madagascar as well. It warns against banking on uncertain futures. One must focus on the work at hand—incubating the eggs—rather than fantasizing about the wealth that might follow.
"Patience is a bitter tree, but its fruit is sweet."
The process of waiting and enduring hardship is unpleasant, like biting into bitter bark. However, the reward for that endurance is sustenance and sweetness. It encourages resilience during difficult times.
"He who shakes the tree must gather the fruit."
Responsibility for an action includes dealing with the consequences. If you initiate a project or a change (shaking the tree), you must be prepared to handle the results (gathering the fruit), whether they are heavy or plentiful.
"The zebu that lows the most is not the one that pulls the best."
Noise does not equal productivity. Often, those who complain or brag the most are the least effective workers. It teaches observers to value silent, steadfast effort over vocal performance.
"Rice does not cook itself."
Even the most basic necessities require human intervention. This proverb is a reminder that nothing in life is automatic; everything requires a catalyst of effort to transform potential into sustenance.
"If you want to eat honey, you must face the bees."
Valuable rewards always come with risks. One cannot achieve something sweet and desirable without enduring the danger or pain required to obtain it. It serves as motivation to overcome fear in pursuit of a goal.
"A little water every day makes the rice grow."
Small, consistent actions lead to significant growth. It argues against the need for grand, dramatic gestures, favoring instead the reliability of daily maintenance and care.
"The lazy person waits for the locusts to fall into his mouth."
This paints a picture of supreme absurdity. Expecting food to simply arrive without effort is foolish. It mocks those who feel entitled to support without contributing to the labor.
"Do not be like the man who planted a banana tree and ate the fruit the same day."
This warns against greed and the lack of foresight. Agriculture, like wealth building, takes time. Expecting instant gratification violates the natural order and leads to disappointment.
"Empty sacks cannot stand upright."
A person without substance, knowledge, or food cannot function. It can be interpreted literally regarding hunger, or metaphorically regarding education and character. One needs internal "filling" to stand tall in society.
"The hoe does not know the master; it only knows the work."
Tools and tasks are impartial. Success depends on how one uses the tool, not on who holds it. It suggests that work is a great equalizer; the soil yields to the prince and the pauper alike if they both hoe correctly.
"Better a small fire that warms than a large fire that burns."
Moderation is key to sustainability. Ambition that is too large can be destructive, whereas modest, controlled effort provides comfort and utility. It advises against overreaching.
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river."
Prudence is essential until a task is fully completed. Premature celebration or arrogance can lead to disaster if the danger has not yet fully passed. It is a lesson in timing and situational awareness.
"The bird builds its nest feather by feather."
Great structures are created through accumulation. No great work is finished instantly; it is the result of thousands of small additions. This encourages persistence in large projects.
"He who runs in the dark strikes his foot."
Acting without clarity or knowledge leads to injury. One must have "light"—information or wisdom—before rushing into action. It cautions against blind ambition or hasty decisions.
"The stomach has no ears."
When a person is hungry, they cannot listen to reason or morality. It acknowledges the primal power of physical needs. Basic needs must be met before higher reasoning can be expected.
"Money is like a guest; it comes and goes."
Wealth is transient and should not be the sole focus of life. Just as a guest visits and leaves, money flows in and out. One should treat it with respect but not attachment.
"Work is the only medicine for poverty."
There is no magical cure for lack other than industry. This proverb strips away excuses and places the solution to poverty squarely in the hands of the worker.
The Art of Speech, Wisdom, and Caution
"The tongue has no bone, but it can break bone."
Words are soft and flexible, yet they possess the power to destroy lives, reputations, and relationships. This is a stern warning to wield the power of speech with extreme care.
"Do not be like the chameleon, having one eye on the past and one on the future."
While the chameleon is often admired, here it warns against indecision or divided focus. Trying to look two ways at once can lead to paralysis. One must eventually choose a direction.
"Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one person can embrace it alone."
Knowledge is too vast for a single individual to master. It requires the collective mind of the community to encompass the truth. It encourages intellectual humility and consultation.
"Silence is the answer to a fool."
Engaging with ignorance only elevates it. The most dignified and effective response to foolishness is to refuse to give it a platform. Silence preserves one's own dignity.
"A wise man changes his mind; a fool never."
Rigidity is not strength; it is stupidity. True wisdom lies in the ability to adapt one's thinking when presented with new information. It frames flexibility as an intellectual virtue.
"The eye is a coward, but the hand is brave."
Looking at a difficult task makes it seem impossible (the eye fears), but once you start working (the hand acts), the task becomes manageable. It advises ignoring the fear of the scale of a project and simply beginning.
"Do not argue with the thunder."
Some forces are simply too powerful or obvious to debate. It is futile to argue against self-evident truths or overwhelming authority. Wisdom involves knowing when to submit to reality.
"A lie runs fast, but the truth overtakes it."
Deception may get a head start, but reality has endurance. Eventually, the facts will emerge and correct the narrative. It encourages faith in the ultimate victory of honesty.
"He who asks the way does not get lost."
Admitting ignorance is the first step to knowledge. Pride often prevents people from seeking help, leading to failure. Asking questions is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
"Words are like water; once spilled, they cannot be gathered up."
This reiterates the permanence of speech. Apologies can dry the floor, but they cannot put the water back in the glass. It urges forethought before speaking.
"Do not buy a cat in a sack."
Verify before you commit. Whether in business or relationships, one must inspect the reality before agreeing to the terms. It is the Malagasy equivalent of "caveat emptor."
"The mouth is the gateway to the heart."
What you speak reveals who you are. If you want to know a person's true character, listen to their unguarded words. It suggests that speech is the external manifestation of the soul.
"Big words do not fill the basket."
Eloquence is useless without action. You can speak beautifully about the harvest, but only labor fills the basket. It prioritizes substance over style.
"Do not blame the mirror if your face is ugly."
Do not blame the medium that reveals the truth for the unpleasant reality it shows. One must accept responsibility for one's own flaws rather than attacking the messenger or the method of discovery.
"Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested."
Intelligence requires maintenance. One must continue to learn, study, and practice to keep wisdom alive. A neglected mind, like a neglected garden, yields nothing but weeds.
"To speak is to sow; to listen is to reap."
Talking is an output of energy, but listening is an intake of value. You gain nothing new by hearing yourself speak, but you gain the world by listening to others.
"The advice of the elders is like the sun; it illuminates the path."
Respect for the elderly is paramount. Their experience sheds light on dark and confusing situations. Ignoring their counsel is choosing to walk in darkness.
"Do not start a fire you cannot extinguish."
Do not initiate conflicts or situations that are beyond your control to resolve. It warns against recklessness and the unintended escalation of drama.
"A short rope cannot reach the bottom of the well."
Inadequate means cannot achieve deep results. Whether it is a lack of intelligence, money, or patience, one recognizes that certain goals require tools that one may not currently possess.
"The crab does not give birth to a bird."
Children resemble their parents, and outcomes resemble their origins. You cannot expect a fundamentally different result from a specific source. It speaks to the nature of heredity and cause-and-effect.
Love, Family, and Marriage
"Marriage is not a knot that slips, but a knot that tightens."
Marriage is meant to be permanent and secure. Unlike a slipknot that comes undone with tension, a marriage should only grow stronger under pressure. It emphasizes commitment and resilience in unions.
"Love is like rice; if you transplant it, it grows."
Love is adaptable. Just because a relationship moves or changes context (transplanting) doesn't mean it dies; often, it thrives in new soil. It speaks to the resilience of affection.
"Children are the wealth of the poor."
In the absence of material money, family is the ultimate asset. Children provide labor, future security, and joy. It redefines the concept of being "rich" to focus on human connection.
"A house without a woman is like a barn."
The woman is viewed as the soul of the home, bringing order, warmth, and civilization to the domestic space. Without the feminine presence, a house is merely a storage place, lacking the essence of a home.
"Do not marry a person for their voice; you cannot eat songs."
Do not choose a partner based on superficial charms or talents that do not sustain life. Practicality and the ability to provide or care for the family are more important than romance or beauty.
"The child who does not cry dies in the cradle."
One must voice their needs to be helped. In a family or relationship, silence can lead to neglect. It encourages communication of needs rather than passive suffering.
"Love is like the dew; it falls on both the nettles and the lilies."
Love is indiscriminate. It does not choose only the beautiful or the worthy; it lands on everyone. This can be seen as the universality of love or the unpredictability of who we fall in love with.
"A mother’s love is like the bark of the tree; if you strip it, the tree dies."
Maternal love is the protective covering of life. Without it, the child is exposed to the elements and cannot survive. It honors the essential, life-sustaining role of the mother.
"Brothers and sisters are like calabashes floating in water; they knock against each other but do not sink."
Siblings will inevitably fight and clash (knock together), but their bond keeps them buoyant. They belong to the same stream and ultimately support one another despite the friction.
"The beauty of a woman is not in her face, but in her virtue."
Physical attraction fades, but character endures. This proverb advises men to look for moral substance in a wife rather than just aesthetic appeal, as virtue builds a happy home.
"When you marry, you marry the family, not just the person."
In Madagascar, marriage is a union of clans, not just individuals. One must accept and integrate with the in-laws. It reminds the couple that their obligations extend beyond their private relationship.
"A good husband is like a roof; he protects from the rain and sun."
The role of the husband is one of protection and shelter. He bears the brunt of the external elements to keep the family safe and comfortable underneath.
"Do not treat your wife like a cooking pot, only useful when full."
A wife should be valued for herself, not just for what she produces or provides. It warns against utilitarian relationships where affection is conditional on service.
"Love is a two-way street; if only one walks, the path disappears."
Relationships require mutual effort. If only one person invests time and emotion, the connection eventually fades away like an overgrown path. It demands reciprocity.
"The heart is like a deep forest; no one knows what is inside."
Ultimately, we can never fully know another person, or even the depths of our own desires. It suggests a respect for the mystery of the human heart and the privacy of emotion.
"To be loved is to be rich."
This re-centers the value system. Emotional fulfillment is superior to financial gain. If you have love, you have the most important currency in the world.
"A fight between lovers is like summer rain; it passes quickly and leaves the ground fresh."
Conflict in romance is natural and can be renewing. Unlike the destructive storms of deep hatred, lovers' quarrels are brief and can actually clear the air, leading to growth.
"Do not abandon your old friend for a new one."
Loyalty to those who have stood the test of time is crucial. New relationships are untested, while old friends have proven their worth. It values history over novelty.
"The home is where the heart rests."
A house is a physical structure, but a home is a psychological state of peace. It suggests that true domestic happiness is found where one feels completely at ease.
"Even the hen defends her chicks against the hawk."
Parental love instills a courage that defies size or strength. When family is threatened, even the meekest person becomes a warrior. It celebrates the ferocity of parental protection.
Conclusion
The wisdom of Madagascar is a testament to a people who have mastered the art of living together on an island where the red earth meets the blue ocean. These proverbs, or Ohabolana, are not merely relics of the past; they are living tools used every day to navigate the complexities of modern life while staying rooted in ancestral tradition.
From the sanctity of Fihavanana to the pragmatic lessons of the rice fields, Malagasy wisdom teaches us that we are never truly alone. We are connected to our neighbors, bound to our ancestors, and responsible for the generations to come. In a world that often prioritizes the individual, the voice of the Red Island reminds us that our strength lies in our unity, our patience, and our respect for the sacred cycle of life.
Which of these Malagasy proverbs resonated most with your own life experience? Do you find comfort in the idea of the ancestors, or does the pragmatism of the agricultural metaphors speak to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FURTHER READING
- Recommended ReadingThe Wisdom of the Savannah: 100 Zulu Proverbs to Guide Your Path
- Recommended ReadingHarmony and Honor: Unlocking the Depth of Japanese Proverbs
- Recommended ReadingIsland Spirit: The Philosophical Depths of Polynesian Wisdom