Haitian Proverbs: An Integral Part of our Culture
 

Proverbs regarding good manners and good breeding Mapou mouri, kabrit manje fey li: When the mapou (oak-like tree) dies, goats would eat its leaves.
Meaning: This proverb is said in Creole to recall the scene of old age. It is also said to compare the prime and the declining days as well as abundance and poverty.If a youngster has been disrespectful to an old man who is past his prime, that proverb would be an appropriate remark.
Note: the mapou has a special meaning in Haitian culture. It is a sacred tree for the believers of Vaudou.

Manman pa janm mode pitit li jouk nan zo: A mother never bites her child to the bone
Meaning: The equivalent of this proverb in the English language would be “there is nothing like a mother”. In Haiti, this proverb is used to show or recall the goodness of a mother to her children. Even when she is inflicting the worst punishment on her children she is not doing it out of hate or to deliberately hurt her progenies but to discipline them

Nan tan grangou patat pa gen po: In times of famine, sweet potatoes have no skin
Meaning: This is a proverb said in times of disaster or great calamity. It means that when one is starving to death, they will eat anything; thus “patat pa gen po”: even the skin of a potato would be eaten.

Ou konn kouri, ou pa konn kache: You know how to run, but you don’t know how to hide.Meaning: It is said of someone who leaves a bad impression behind him after a bad deed or a crime.

Pise gaye pa kimen: Spread piss doesn’t foam.
Meaning: A rolling stone gathers no moss. For Haitians this proverb raises the question of unity and disunion in accomplishing a goal. Is also said of people squandering their money on many worthless ventures: None will ever be successful.

Sel pa vante tèt li di li sale: Salt doesn’t boast that it is salted
Meaning: Similar in meaning to the French saying "A bon vin, point d’enseigne" (good wine needs no advertising). Let others say how good you are. Said to ridicule someone who speaks hightly of himself, who praises himself.

Se nan chimen jennen yo kenbe chwal malen: if you want to catch a wild horse, find a tight corral
Meaning: One says that about a person who usually escapes embarassment but who will eventually fall into a more elaborate trap.