Part 6: On consideration, kindness, and thoughtfulness

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“Do not share in my delicious meal,” chases away the animal.
(The selfish person would rather ward off good fortune than allow others to share it with him.) [7]

“Just so you won't find my hand empty” roasted popcorn for the masquerader; the masquerader also responded with “Just so you won't find my hands empty” and gave him a wooden doll.
(Stinginess will not win generosity in return.) [8]

Had I money I would cook bean meal for the Agọ́n masquerader; the brown monkey's raiding of his farm never elicits a complaint from him.
(One should acknowledge and reciprocate favors done one by others.) [9]

“Bring! Bring!” is the sound of the pigeon's wings.
(Some people know only how to take, never how to give.) [10]

7. The reference is to a hunter who would rather scare away game he cannot kill than give another hunter the opportunity of killing it.  [Back to text]

8. Masqueraders supposed to be the embodiment of ancestors are credited with the power to grant boons, including children, to supplicants. A person who makes lame excuses while offering inadequate gifts to the masquerader will hear lame excuses and receive worthless boons from the masquerader.  [Back to text]

9. The egúngún (masqueraders) are believed to favor ọ̀lẹ̀lẹ̀, seasoned and steamed ground beans. Agọ́n is the masquerader charged with executing witches.  [Back to text]

10. The sound the bird's wings make when in flight is supposed to sound like “Mú wá, mú wá!”  [Back to text]