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Mi Faada, Mi Hero: Honoring the Wisdom of Jamaican Fathers
When I think of my Jamaican father, I think of strength wrapped in gentleness, discipline tempered by humor, and guidance rooted in cultural pride. My dad – retired now – was a powerful orator, scholar, pastor, theologian, teacher, poet and songwriter, visionary and builder. My best memories are of those many father-daughter memories we shared over the years and continue to create today. So often, he would sprinkle Jamaican proverbs and sayings into those conversations – snippets of wisdom that come to us from our rich cultural history. This Father’s Day, let’s pause to celebrate the fathers who shape our lives through action, love, and the wisdom of their words.
Jamaican Fathers and Their Sayings
Jamaican fathers may not always speak volumes, but their proverbs and sayings deliver powerful life lessons. Here are some timeless expressions you may have heard from a Jamaican dad:
✅ “Ef yuh waan good, yuh nose haffi run.”
Translation: If you want success, you must work hard.
Jamaican dads often use this to encourage perseverance and resilience.
✅ “Haas ded an’ crow fat”
Translation: Horse dies. (John)crow gets fat. Find the opportunity in calamity.
✅ “Coward man keep sound bone.”
Translation: Sometimes it’s wiser to avoid unnecessary conflict. Practical advice about choosing your battles carefully.
✅ “Every mickle mek a muckle.”
Translation: Small savings add up over time. A father’s gentle push toward financial prudence and gaining big wins through consistent action.
✅ “Wen yuh house deh pon fiyah yuh nuh chase rat.”
Translation: When your house is on fire, you don’t chase a rat. Ignore the distractions and prioritize what matters. Tackle the current crisis first!
✅ “Ask pass yuh cyaan pass las’”.
Translation: Ask to pass and you won’t end up behind. Don’t be too proud to ask others to help you move ahead.
This Father’s Day, take a moment to reflect on the sayings that shaped you. Download and share this free printable: “Mi Faada Seh”.
Other Thoughts on Fatherhood
The universal experience of fatherhood is beautifully captured in these renowned quotes:
“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” — Umberto Eco.
- “The power of a dad in a child’s life is unmatched.” — Roy Lessin.
- “It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.” — Barack Obama.
Books and Poems Reflecting Nurture and Fatherhood
Check out these books and poems about fatherhood. [This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our work at no extra cost to you.]
Books:
- Masculinity and Fathering in Jamaica by Patricia Anderson
This book offers a comprehensive look at Jamaican men’s parenting attitudes, exploring themes of economic responsibility, nurturing, and the evolving role of fathers in Jamaican society.
- Daddy Do My Hair? by Tola Okogwu
A beautiful children’s book showing a nurturing father-daughter bond, breaking stereotypes and celebrating Black fatherhood.
Poems:
- Check out these poems by Jamaican poets about their fathers and experience of fatherhood.
- “Pocomania” by Safiya Sinclair
This powerful poem explores the complex relationship between father and daughter, using vivid imagery rooted in Jamaican culture to convey themes of nurture, forgiveness, and legacy.
- “My Daddy Rules the World: Poems About Dads” by Hope Anita Smith
A collection for children that celebrates the everyday moments and deep bonds between fathers and their children.
A Father’s Day Reflection
Jamaican fathers are often the unsung heroes in our stories. They might not always say “I love you” in so many words, but they show it when they rise before dawn to work, when they give a nod of approval that means the world, or when they simply sit in quiet companionship.
This Father’s Day, let’s honor them—not just with gifts, but with gratitude. Remember their sayings. Share their wisdom.
Closing Thought
Whether through a proverb, a glance, or a hand on your shoulder, Jamaican fathers leave imprints on our hearts. This Father’s Day, let’s make sure they know their guidance, their sacrifices, and their sayings will always be cherished.
Jamaican fathers are pillars of strength, wisdom, and love. Whether through proverbs, life lessons, or quiet acts of care, their impact lasts a lifetime. This Father’s Day and beyond, let’s celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who shape our lives with their unwavering love.
Happy Father’s Day to all the Jamaican dads—yuh love strong like iron, and yuh wisdom deep like the sea!
What’s your favorite Jamaican saying from your father? Share in the comments!
Written with love for Jamaican fathers everywhere. ❤️🇯🇲 #JamaicanFathers #Fatherhood #Wisdom #JamaicanProverbs
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