“The Skilled Harvester Earns His Wage from the Tip of the Sickle”
In the Jabal Amel region, a common proverb says: “The skilled harvester earns his wage from the tip of the sickle!” It highlights the excellence of skilled craftsmen or any person excelling in their work, even a diligent student.
Historian Kassem Hejeij explained:
“Harvest season was one of the most vibrant times, filled with traditional songs and festivities. The best sickles were imported from Tarshiha, now in occupied Palestine. The damarj is a large sickle with a handle and semi-circular blade, adorned with small bells that produce pleasing sounds. The damarji (harvester) was followed by a helper, the laqouta, who collected the harvested wheat stalks. The process continued with threshing, where grain was separated from the husk, each stage accompanied by songs and dances.”
Hejeij added:
“This proverb reflects life in the region’s past, where agriculture was the main wealth. A craftsman must master every step of the process. The proverb emphasizes adaptability and perseverance. The skilled harvester achieves his goal starting from the tip of the sickle, stressing the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.”
“What We Gained from the Maiden’s Cheek, We Lost on Qaddah’s Rear!”
Another humorous proverb from Jabal Amel says: “What we gained from the fair maiden’s cheek, we lost on Qaddah’s rear!” It refers to wasted efforts, where initial success is followed by failure.
Hejeij recounted a story:
“A Moroccan healer, Abu Ziyan, settled in Nabatieh in the late 18th century. One day, a landlord’s wife developed a boil near her breast. Abu Ziyan, enchanted by her beauty, claimed the only cure was to suck the boil. The agha reluctantly agreed, adding a condition: Abu Ziyan must also treat a boil on his servant Qaddah’s hairy rear.
Abu Ziyan complied, starting with the wife and ending with Qaddah, often retching after each session. Eventually, both were cured.”
Hejeij concluded:
“This tale highlights that success achieved through deceit is unsustainable. Such actions inevitably lead to losses, negating any ill-gotten gains.”
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