Tsumo
Shona proverbs are a reflection of Shona language, history and culture. They are a cherished and interesting part of Shona oral literature.
Translation A baboon might be ugly, but it doe not feed on the carcass of an animal that it found already dead. Inspiration for proverb A baboon will only eat … Read more
Word Definitions bvupa: bone hari: earthenware pot Translation Forcing a bone into a pot will break the pot. Inspiration Earthenware is fragile and breakable. Application Sometimes forcing the impossible has … Read more
Word definitions svava: Wilt. Wither. Droop. Translation What has travelled has wilted. Application When one is outside the boundaries of their authority or privilege, they should not feel entitled to, … Read more
Word Definitions tsambarafuta: large fatty edible flying ant igo: wasp Translation What used to drip (fat) eventually dried out; the large flying ant is now a wasp. Application Circumstances sometimes … Read more
Translation What came first made one wiser. Application Bad experiences, blunders, and mistakes from the past, drive people to be more cautious.
Translation It is roofs, that cover houses. Inspiration A house is covered by the roof, otherwise everything inside would be exposed. Application Outward appearances are not always a true portrayal … Read more
Word definitions bere: hyena kodza: make fat mapfupa: bones Translation It is bones, that fattened a hyena. Inspiration Hyenas are known to eat their entire prey – skin, bones, hooves … Read more
Word definitions kodza: make fat mashamba: fodder melon Translation The pig was fattened by fodder melons. Inspiration The fruit of this melon, a relative of the watermelon, is mostly used … Read more
Translation That which got up at night is an enemy. Application Things done secretly, especially at night, are usually considered sinister. Similar Proverbs 1. Mudzimu unoteurwa usiku ndowomuroyi. 2. Ngoma … Read more
Word definitions kona: be unsuccessful Translation What has failed has failed, one cannot marry off their mother. Inspiration In olden days (and even nowadays) some families married off their daughters … Read more
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About Shungu
ZimbOriginal was born from a passion for discovery and writing, and a commitment to never losing sight of who we are.
It is a place for stories on culture, customs, traditions, and anything else indigenous to Zimbabwe. ZimbOriginal not only promotes cultural awareness, but also supports learning and discovery.
