Kassem Hojeij and the Tale of the Proverb: “A Spear Cannot Be Hidden in a Bag”
“Masculinity and Strength in Jabal Amel Proverbs”
The people of Jabal Amel pride themselves on their masculinity and adherence to traits of strength and resilience. In this culture, a man must be strong and respected among his community; otherwise, he risks being belittled and taken advantage of, as the saying goes, “people will walk all over him.”
One popular proverb in the region says, “A spear cannot be hidden in a bag.” It refers to someone who cowardly avoids standing up for themselves, hiding their fear behind flimsy excuses. The proverb points out the transparency of their cowardice, making it clear that no excuses can cover it up.
“The Origin and Story Behind the Proverb”
When historian Kassem Hojeij, head of Deir Antar Municipality, was asked about the origin of this proverb, he explained:
“The ‘bag,’ or adel in Arabic, is a sturdy sack made of goat hair traditionally used to carry goods on the backs of camels and donkeys.
The story behind the proverb involves a man from Jabal Amel who went hunting. He mistakenly shot a cow belonging to another villager, who was known for his strength and ferocity. The cow’s owner attacked the hunter, beat him severely, and threatened to burn his house down if he didn’t pay for the cow.
When the townspeople heard about the incident, they criticized the hunter for his cowardice and failure to defend himself. They argued that the accident was unintentional, and the cow’s owner had no right to assault him. Ashamed, the man decided to leave the village.
He packed his belongings into an adel and loaded them onto his donkey, planning to leave under the cover of night. However, he was spotted by early-rising harvesters.
The harvesters asked where he was going, and he replied that he was off to seek revenge against the man who had beaten him. When asked why he was taking his belongings, he claimed they contained his spear, sword, and axe for the fight.
The harvesters laughed and replied, ‘A spear cannot be hidden in a bag,’ mocking his transparent lie and cowardice. The sack was far too small to hold a spear, exposing his true intention to flee.”
“The Proverb’s General Meaning”
Hojeij further elaborated:
“This proverb is used to point out obvious cowardice or insincerity. In Jabal Amel, traditional values prioritize courage and self-defense.
The saying reprimands those who avoid standing up for their rights, instead resorting to unconvincing excuses. It emphasizes that their true intentions are often clear for all to see.”
