As well as having a unique sense of humor,
our Gaelic ancestors had the ability to see to the heart of the matter.
Their system of values are revealed in the traditional "Sean-fhacail" or
proverbs.
As an teine don ghriasaich
out of the fire, into the embers, from bad to worse
Luathaid gu deanamh maille
to much rush causes delay.
Iallan fada a lethair duin eile
Long laces from another mans leather. Taking advantage of another
Am fear a gheibh ainm na mocheirich,
faoaidh e cadal anmoch The man who is known as an early
riser can sleep late.
Gheibh faidhidinn furstachd
patience will get relief or reward
Bosd gun chur leis Pride
with nothing to back it up
SW ann mu seach a sheideas na builg
The bellows blow one about; one is up today and down tomorrow.
Mollaidh an t-each math e fhein
The good horse will praise itself.
Cha tig spilgein air fear eiginn
A person in need gets nothing
An rud a dh'fhalbhas chan e d'fhonis
what is gone, or goes isn't sufficient.
Suirghe cein is posadh am bun na h
ursainn Distant courting, and marrying close at hand (at
the door posts).
Rud nach cluin cluas cha ghluais cridhe
That which the ear doesn't hear won't stir the heart.
excerpts from A Genealogical History of
Glendale and Neighboring communities.
A proverb I try and live by:
Cuimhnichibh air na daoine bho'n
d'thainig sibh
Remember the people whom you come from.
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