17 Berber proverbs to muse over. #MoroccanFridays

Original photo by my dearest friend and talented photographer – Lina. (Adapted by Writer’s Caravan)

Salam Aleykoum! It’s time for another Moroccan Friday, a series in which I aim to shine a light on the country I grew up in. The series strives to explore various topics, swaying between reality and legends, geographical wonders and curious traditions. You can discover previous posts here.
(NB: From now on, I will only be posting on the first Friday of each month.)

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Proverbs are a great way to understand a culture. They have often been passed on from one generation to another, sometimes in writing but often, especially in Morocco, by word of mouth. I have come across many Moroccan sayings while growing up and even more while researching my novel.

 

So I have decided to give you a glimpse of Moroccan wisdom. Here are 17 Berber proverbs to muse over.

1. A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.
2. Courage is fear that has said its prayers.
3. Dawn does not come twice to awake a man.
4. The land where the stones know you is worth more than the land where the people know you.
5. Silence is the door of consent.
6. Every road has two directions.
   

   Photo kindly supplied by my “eyes and ears” in M’hamid.

7. For the sake of one rose, the gardener becomes the servant of a thousand souls.
8. He who leaves his house in search of happiness pursues a shadow.
9. Pleasant words will draw a snake from its hole.
10. The morning hour has gold in its mouth.
11. If a man puts a cord around his neck, God will provide someone to pull it.
12. Day has its eyes, night has its ears.
    

    Morocco, Sahara, Erg Chigaga – photo by Gustaw Jot (CC BY-ND)

13. Everything which you find you should keep until Time says to you, Give it.
14. The almond trees lie and the apricots speak the truth.
15. A man without children is like a horse without a tether.
16. Nobody is really a man but he who is with other men.
    And finally, when Moroccans pour mint tea, you will often hear the following proverb:
17. The first glass is as gentle as life, the second glass is as strong as love, the third glass is as bitter as death.

Try as I may, I can’t decide on a favourite. There is something so powerful about number 2. I also love how strong the sense of community is in number 16. As for number 10, isn’t it just beautiful?

What about you? Any favourites?

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Thanks for reading.
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