MAXIM
Yoruba Adage: Omode to ba mo owo‘we, a ba agba jeun
Literal Meaning: A child who knows how to properly wash his hands shall dine with the elders.
USAGE
The saying is used to encourage us to be well behaved at all times as doors that might not otherwise be opened will be opened through good manners and conduct.
FURTHER EXPLANATION
This adage was coined from the premise that an Elderly person needs to beckon on a child to join him while eating before such child has the right to eat with him/her, hence, it is considered rude in Yoruba culture for a child to dip hand into the bowl of food that belongs to an elderly person without the Elder’s person’s permission while eating. And Elders will only call children that are clean and well-behaved.
Accordingly, the saying is commonly used in the society to serve as a reminder of the many rewards that is embedded in good behaviour.
