Things we say: November 2008 Archives

Every language has its "words of wisdom." I talked about fortune cookie proverbs yesterday... but today, I have something even better - Pennsylvania Dutch proverbs!

These are from November's Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage Group newsletter, which got them from "Proverbs of the Pennsylvania Germans" by Edwin Miller Fogel, Ph.D.

Vum saage was mer heert saage, Grickt mer gern uff's Maul geschlagge.
That one means "Repeating hearsay often brings punishment."

Die greeschde Sarye macht mer sich selwert.
That's "One's greatest cares are self-made."

En zweebehnichi Sau gleicht niemand.
Any guesses? It's "No one likes two-legged swine." (Um... sure!)

And one more good word of wisdom:
Saag mir mit wem du gehscht un ich saag dir wer du bischt.
"Tell me who are your friends and I will tell you what you are."

There you have it, good advice from our "Dutch" ancestors!

I just love fortune cookies. In fact, I've got almost 20 of them taped to my computer monitor.

My favorites?

"Soon life will become more interesting."
"Your life gains the stability you desire." (Now, which one is it??)
"If you chase two rabbits, both will escape."
"Real courage is moving forward when the outcome is uncertain."

Oh, and this winner (which, to be fair, wasn't MY fortune but rather my brother-in-law's):
"You look pretty!"

So what happens when you take one of my favorite things - fortune cookies - and combine another of my favorites - the Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyle?

Find out tomorrow!!

Jo went to Muddy Creek Forks in Brogue, Chanceford Township, recently, as part of a surprise trip with the local historical society.

She took this nice photo of Muddy Creek that I wanted to share:

One thing you'll notice... people around here don't call it "Brogue," though that's the village's name. They call it the Brogue. Why, I don't know! Maybe it works like saying "the Susquehanna Trail" or something.

Here's one I've heard a few times in recent weeks. I don't think it's York-specific; in fact, I think it's just old-fashioned, but I'm open to discussion.

It's that someone has "been doctoring" for an ailment, instead of "been seeing the doctor."

It does fit the Yorkism tradition of economy of words, though!

Anyone else familiar with this one?