Luck, good or bad, isn't just for the Irish. Luck, good fortune and bad fortune are also prevalent in African traditions. Many tribes have proverbs that speak to their belief in luck and good fortune (or bad luck and bad fortune).


The eye of a crow boiled at the new moon brings good luck for the New Year. ~Nigerian Proverb

Bad luck for one man is good luck for another. ~African Proverb

He who moves with each day is better than another who waits for luck. ~African Proverb

The worm that exposes itself on the ground is waiting for a lucky bird to devour it. ~African Proverb

When bad luck chooses you as a companion, even a ripe banana can remove your teeth. ~African Proverb

Don't travel under another's lucky star. ~Swahili proverb

What is bad luck for one man is good luck for another. ~Ashanti Proverb

When your luck deserts you, even cold food burns. ~Zambian Proverb

If the palm of the hand itches it signifies the coming of great luck. ~Lesotho Proverb

It is the fortunate person that the physician undertakes to help. ~Nigerian Proverb

That which brings misfortune is not big. ~Nigerian Proverb

He who runs after good fortune runs away from peace. ~African Proverb

Every misfortune is a blessing. ~African Proverb

One who causes others misfortune also teaches them wisdom. ~African Proverb

To neglect one's ancestors would bring ill-fortune and failure in life. ~African Proverb

The blindness of that one is his good fortune. ~Swahili Proverb

Misfortune does not restrict his visits to one day. ~Ghanaian Proverb

Stolen things bring in misfortune. ~Kikuyu Proverb

The misfortune that comes into town does not wear a turban. ~Beninese Proverb

When I think of the others's misfortunes, I forget mine. ~Algerian Proverb

Misfortune of soup made of shanks and feet. ~Xhosa Proverb

You cannot take away someone's luck. ~Kenyan Proverb

The hyena said, "It is not only that I have luck, but my leg is strong." ~Masai Proverb

The lucky eagle kills a mouse that has eaten salt. ~Ugandan Proverb


African Proverbs for Weddings, Marriage and Love
This eBook contains many African proverbs on love and marriage. Some proverbs are very sweet and romantic while others are tongue in cheek and almost making fun of love and romance.