Meitemoo olowarru olkujita. (Maasai) Hata kama nyasi ni ndefu kiasi gani haiwezi kumfunika simba. (Swahili) Peu importe la longueur de l’herbe, elle ne peut pas couvrir un lion. (French) No matter how long the grass is, it can’t cover a lion. (English)

Maasai(Kenya &Tanzania )Proverb

Background, Meaning and Everyday Use

The Maasai people are a Nilotic ethnic group primarily located in Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their distinctive customs, traditions, and way of life that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Here are some key aspects of Maasai culture:

• Historically, the Maasai are nomadic herders who primarily rely on cattle, sheep, and goats for their livelihood. They move seasonally in search of water and pasture for their animals.
• Maasai society is organized into age-sets, with each stage of life marked by specific responsibilities and roles. Elders hold significant influence and decision-making power within the community.
• The Maasai are known for their colorful attire, which includes shukas (cloth wraps) and intricate beadwork. Beadwork holds cultural significance and is used to communicate social status, age, and marital status.
• Important rituals in Maasai culture include initiation ceremonies for boys (circumcision) and girls (clitoridectomy) that mark the transition to adulthood. Marriage ceremonies are also significant, involving elaborate negotiations and celebrations. There is now strong opposition to girls’ clitoridectomy.
• The Maasai traditionally adhere to a monotheistic religion centered on the god Enkai (also known as Engai or Ngai), who is believed to be the creator and provider of all things. They also hold beliefs in spirits and divine forces present in nature.
• In recent years, the traditional Maasai way of life has faced challenges due to factors such as land loss, modernization, and conservation efforts. Some Maasai have adapted by engaging in agriculture, tourism, or other economic activities.
• Despite these challenges, the Maasai have maintained a strong sense of cultural identity and pride. Efforts to preserve their language, customs, and traditional knowledge continue within the community.
• The Maasai people’s rich cultural heritage and distinctive way of life have attracted interest and admiration from people around the world, making them an iconic symbol of East African culture and identity.

Proverbs play a multifaceted role in Maasai society serving as educational tools, social lubricants, cultural markers and repositories of wisdom. They reflect the values, beliefs, and worldview of the Maasai people contributing to the richness and resilience of their cultural heritage.

The lion covers itself when hunting, but the grass can’t completely cover it. This Maasai proverb is a powerful reminder of strength, resilience, faith and the enduring presence of something greater beyond what is immediately visible.

Biblical Parallels

Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you will prevail and will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servant of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me declares he Lord.”

Isaiah 40:10: “So do no fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Contemporary Use And Religious Application

This Maasai proverb “No matter how long the grass is, it can’t cover a lion” can be understood as emphasizing the power, strength, or presence of an individual or entity that cannot be hidden or overshadowed by superficial or insignificant thing. It suggests that true strength cannot be concealed or diminished.

In Christianity, God is often symbolized as a lion, representing strength, power, and majesty. The grass could symbolize the fleeting nature of worldly concerns and distractions. Despite the ever-changing circumstances of life, God remains steadfast and unchanging, towering above all else.

Just as the lion cannot be hidden by the grass, God’s presence permeates every aspect of creation. No matter how thick the veil of sin or worldly preoccupations may seem, God’s presence cannot be obscured. This reflects the Christian belief in God’s omnipresence, as affirmed in passages such as Psalm 139:7-12.

The lion’s inability to be covered by grass emphasizes God’s sovereignty and authority over all creation. Despite humanity’s attempts to assert control or pursue its own agenda, ultimately, God’s purposes will prevail. This aligns with biblical teachings on God’s sovereignty,

The proverb encourages believers to trust in God’s providence and protection. Just as the lion is unharmed and unconcealed amidst the grass, Christians can find security and refuge in God’s unfailing love and care.

This proverb underscores key Christian principles such as the unchanging nature, omnipresence, sovereignty, and faithfulness of God inviting believers to anchor their lives in Him amidst life’s uncertainties and challenges.

Proverb by Daniel Muthama

Nairobi, Kenya

Photos by Elias Bushiri

Nairobi, Kenya
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