Chimera Posted November 28, 2006 Somalis, particularly those who still follow the traditional nomadic life, have a profound interest in, and knowledge of the weather, the stars and planets, and their penetrating effects upon the lives of this people. This is reflected in the language itself, which contains a large number of sayings, riddles and songs which link astronomical phenomena to events in nomadic life with which they are associated. I was myself a camel herder when I was a boy, and I recall many of these sayings and songs. They have always interested me, and during my life I have collected very many more. There are for example phrases, in the language (especially, those in replying to a greeting) that closely associate the weather and the well being of my people: such as the Dabayl Caafimmad, the breeze of health and tranquility. Nabaad iyo naq-roobaad, peace and the greenness that follows rain. Bash-bash iyo barwaako, this term has the underlying phonetic representation of waterlogged undergrowth which has soaked up recent heavy rains and means a period of plenty and prosperity, for all'. Some terms are deeply allusive: Abaar iyo oodo-lullul, meaning in the vicinity of a drought, also lurks the rattling or shacking of one's thorn-fence. The image here is of drought -stricken nomads who have lost all their livestock and try to force their way into the corrals of those more fortunate ones who still have cattle, or other livestock left. There are moreover, countless songs in Somali traditionally sung to girls, to camels or to cattle which link astronomical phenomena, as observed omens, to years of prosperity or drought, to the deaths of important persons, to wars or storms. This song I remember clearly from my youth: Xaydho-dayihii, Kuu xiddiginjirey, Xareed bardiyo, Xays inoo sheeg. (My beautiful camels) The reader of the Xaydho,¹ Who is also the expert on stars, Announces a long-lasting supply of rainwater, An unexpected season of heavy rain Note: 1. Xaydho, this term refers to the fat that covers the stomach of the goats. This fat was used in the past by the Somalis for telling the future. It was removed from the goat and held to the light. Inductions were then made from looking at the inside of the fat – about the weather, wars, rain, etc. Young nomadic girls challenge their nomadic counterparts, the boys. continues Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chimera Posted November 28, 2006 Sun Qorrax Mercury Dusaa or Hurjub,Cudaarid,Dhayl-Gaduud Venus Waxaro-xir or Sahra or hiddig-Waaberi Earth Dhull Mars Saxal or Saxal Guduud Saturn Faraare or Mariikh Jupiter Saxal-Cadde or Mushtar or Cirjeex Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chimera Posted November 28, 2006 the late Somali Author Muuse Galaal (1909-1982). being interviewed somewhere in the 60's/70's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abwaan Posted November 28, 2006 An interesting topic sxb. I saw this on the net around 98 and found it interesting. If you come across more on this could ou please paste it here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abwaan Posted November 28, 2006 An interesting topic sxb. I saw this on the net around 98 and found it interesting. If you come across more on this could ou please paste it here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chimera Posted November 28, 2006 ^^Sxb for part 2,3,4,5 click on this link.. or do you want me to paste all the info? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
me Posted November 28, 2006 Thanx Dave, now lets put the right planet with the right forehead. I claim Qorax, a little bit of sweat (subag) on my forehead and it shines brighter then the Qorax. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Abwaan Posted December 14, 2006 All the info plz. thank you, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
