Wisdom From The Words of Our Elders
Ogunbanwo Oluseyi@oluseyiogunbanwo258714
1 month ago
'Kìí se gbogbo Aso l'àásá s'órùn'
Literally translated _' It's not all cloths we spread in the sun'._
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_'Orun',_ the Sun, is so important to human lives that we cannot over emphasize its usefulness. One of the most important use of the Sun energy is the drying of wet utensils, especially our washed clothes.
However, the Yorubas, in their sagacity, believe that it not all clothes that are spread in the sun.
Figuratively, the Proverbs means it is not all matters that are brought to public domain. We do not wash our dirty linen in the public. The Proverb demands an amicable settlement of issues surreptitiously before it gets to public glare, especially issues that are shameful and embarrassing.
How do you explain to the public a case of incest among your children for example? Or that your husband still wet the bed? or worse still, adultery between your wife and your father?
'Ki se gbogbo Aso l'aasa s'orun'
There are many terrible and embarrassing infractions that have happened and still happen in the families, among families, in the circle of friends and even in close knit communities that have been settled secretly and amicably. (Won se 'n'iso inu eku'.) This is because a public knowledge of these becomes 'an ill wind that blows no one any good'
The object of this Proverbs seeks to promote the sanctity of marriage and friendship and preserve society ideals and norms.
When or why do we normally cite this maxim?
First, to warn the aggressive and infuriated being who, though have been a victim of an infraction or omission, that it's better to jaw-jaw than war-war.
Secondly, to call the the taciturn brute, who mulls a secret vegeance against a wrong done him especially by members of his family, to order.
Thirdly, to pacify a completely disillusioned father or mother who finds it difficult to come to terms with the 'sins' of her children and plans to take his or her pound of flesh.
The society is full of vices of unimaginable proportions especially within family circles. In order to preserve the family ideals and the sanctity of marriage we deploy an amicable resolutions to issues that could tear the family apart. It however does not mean that the the offender(s) go scot free. No, not at all. Rather a commensurate punishment is enforced to serve as deterrent against future occurrence but all within the scope of those affected.
As I round this off, I daresay many have regretted their actions of lack of restraint in the face of undeserving provocation. Marriages are broken down irretrievably, families completely dispersed with an avowed declaration never to converge.
To the husband at home, I say it is not every omission of the wife you bring to the judgment seat of your children or other family members. Learn to turn a blind eye to the 'mistake' of your spouse.
Similarly, it is a shame to make the frailty of your husband a subject of discussion among your peers in the hairdressing salon. Madam, remember 'the wall have ears' and 'what goes around comes around'.
Children, learn to keep the squabbles between Daddy and Mummy in the home.
We will avoid a lot of heartaches and regrets if we do not spread all our cloths in the sun.
'Kise gbogbo Aso l'aasa sorun'
Toto o se bi owe o. Eyin Agba lori platform yi e dariji mi.
-Oluseyi Ogunbanwo.
#AfricanProverb
