Gaelic Indigenousness
Native Gaelic Language Sayings And The Decolonisation Of Anglo Peoples
Jun 4, 2006
As white people (sic) begin to decolonize there is a strong tendency amongst some to seek out alternative spiritual paths that feel more real and authentic. Some of these are "new age" and now - the new New Age - "Shamanism". To me what is interesting here is the way that so many of these practices become used by white folks (sic) to simply continue living their life without questioning any of their privileges or their lifestyle to any significant level. ... But, perhaps out of the need for significance, people clutch to this. It is seeming to me that more important for most of us is the simple common wisdom of right living.
Perhaps one of the best initial ways into a understanding a surface view of indigenous wisdom of any peoples are their sayings and proverbs - the well worn grooves in their minds that show how they think, what they value and their view of how the universe works. In Gaelic, these are known as the seanfhacal (lit: old word). Enjoy a small selection.
Gaelic Language Sayings
- Brisidh an teanga bhog an cneath. A smooth tongue will blunt wrath.
- Tri shaghas fear go dteipeann ortha bean do thuisgint, -- fir oga, fir aosda, agus fir mheadhon-aosda. Three kinds of men who fail to understand woman, -- young men, old men, and middle-aged men
- Is diù nach gabh comhairle, 's diù ghabhas gach comhairle. Who won't take advice is worthless; who takes all advice is the same.
- Ged b'e gheibheadh a roghainn, 's mairg a thaghadh an diù. Pity him who has his choice, and chooses the worse.
- Mas math leat sith, càirdeas agud cluain, èisd, faic is fuirich sàmhach. If you wish peace, friendship and quiteness, listen, look and be silent.
- An uair as laine 'n cupan, 's ann as dorr' a ghiulan. When the cup is fullest it is most difficult to carry.
- Far an taine 'n abhainn, 's ann as mo a fuaim Where the stream is shallowest, greatest is its noise
- Cha'n fhiach bròn a ghnàth, 'S cha'n fhiach ceòl a ghnàth. Sorrowing always is not good, And music (mirth) always is not good.
- A'chungaidh leighis is goirte, 'Si is moth'tha deaneamh feum. The medicine (or liniment) that hurts the most Is generally the best healer.
- Cha tig as a phoit ach an toit a bhios innte. No fumes from the pot, but from what it contains.
- Bu mhath an sgàthan sùil caraid. A friend's eye is a good looking-glass.
Check out Tad's Blog on this topic.
