Kassem Hojeij and the Story of the Proverb: “Like a Chameleon That Fought Its Own Fate”

Kassem Hojeij and the Story of the Proverb: “Like a Chameleon That Fought Its Own Fate”
“The Meaning and Origin of the Proverb in Jabal Amel”
One of the peculiar proverbs used in Jabal Amel is: “Like a chameleon that fought its own fate,” which may seem confusing at first glance.

When historian and folklore expert Kassem Hojeij, head of the Deir Antar municipality, was asked about its origin, he explained:
“During the summer, Bedouin tribes used to visit Jabal Amel, bringing their sheep products to trade for figs, raisins, and olives. The locals warmly welcomed them with generous hospitality.

On one occasion, a local man invited a group of Bedouins into his orchard to enjoy the ripe figs. Among the group was a blind man who climbed the trees alongside the others and began eating the fruit.

While eating, the blind man called out to his brother, saying, ‘I feel like I’m eating a spoiled fig.’ His brother, who was also enjoying the figs, looked over and saw the tail of a chameleon hanging from the blind man’s mouth.

Shocked, the brother exclaimed, ‘You ate a chameleon!’ To which the blind man nonchalantly replied as he swallowed it, ‘It’s like a chameleon that fought its own fate,’ meaning it had doomed itself by crossing my path.”

“The General Meaning of the Proverb”
This proverb is used to describe someone who exposes themselves to danger or acts recklessly without considering the consequences. It is comparable to the classic Arabic proverb: “She brought harm upon herself, like Buraqish.”

Hojeij elaborated further:
“In our region, there is a strong sense of pride and adherence to traditional Arab values. This proverb is also employed as a warning to anyone who challenges someone determined to achieve their goals or interferes with their interests.

The warning serves as a deterrent, encouraging the person to reconsider their actions and avoid confrontation.”