female Fon proverbs
Fon proverbs about women
Women (nyɔnu) hold a central place in Fon culture: mother, wife, trader, keeper of the home. Here are 5 verified proverbs that celebrate or teach.
Woman is the home
Meaning: without a woman, there is no home. She structures, nourishes, passes on. Quoted at weddings and during blessings.
Woman and man: balance
Meaning: the two genders are complementary. Each has its role, but one without the other is incomplete.
Mother and child
Meaning: everything the child becomes passes through the mother. Her responsibility is immense.
The trading woman
Meaning: in Benin, many women run the markets. Their income is often the backbone of the household.
Woman keeps the secret
Meaning: praise for feminine wisdom. Knowing how to speak AND how to keep silent at the right moment.
Application
These proverbs are quoted at weddings, baptisms and family councils. A woman who knows them all is highly respected socially.
Women at the heart
Five proverbs, five facets: woman as home, balance, mother, trader, sage. A rich and nuanced vision.
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