• Two men hugging

    Martinique Creole proverbs

Born in the first half of the 17th century, the Creole language is a vibrant mosaic. The Amerindian heritage was supplemented by the dialects of French colonists, West Africans, and later Coolies from India and China. Contrary to popular belief, Creole proverbs are not words from the past, or “pawol an tan lontan” (words from the past) as they say in Martinique. Proverbs are immortal, eternal, and indispensable. As they say in Martinique: “Pa konnet mové” (It is bad not to know). Click on the title to read the moral.





                                        
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Even if your nose is rotten, you do not tear off.
It is not easy to blame a family member.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Kneel is nothing, the most important thing is prayer.
The beautiful demonstrations are not enough, only sincerity is important.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The sheep likes keeping his leaned neck.
Beware of those who display great humility.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
Sheep always leave their necks to everyone.
Some short-sighted persons give the stick to get beat, like sheep who offers his neck to be killed.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
I have not eaten turkey, I do not have to pay the sauce.
It does not have to pay for the mistakes of others.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
I can't get blood out of a stone.
No one can do the impossible.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
The two strongest things are the tree upright and supine woman.
The woman seems fragile but is a rock.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
People die, the work does not die.
Do not kill yourself working, it is also important to take time to live.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
A poor negro is still a poor negro
Hunt natural changes their spots.

                  

      

    

                                    
    

      

        
      

      

        

                      
You kill, but you're afraid to die.
Said of a person capable of acting in contradiction with what it is able to endure.