Lebanese Sayings
What did your Teta always say?
Every Lebanese family has its own words and sayings: the things Teta and Jeddo say at the table, at bedtime, or when someone needs cheering up. Here are a few from our books.
الزيت عمود البيت.
“Oil is the pillar of the house.”
From Jeddo’s Olive Harvest: a home with olive oil is never empty.
صحتين!
“Two healths!”
What Teta says when the food is on the table: enjoy, and good health.
البيت بيتك.
“The house is your house.”
Make yourself at home. Every Lebanese Teta means it.
كل شي بوقته حلو.
“Everything is sweet in its time.”
Like the olives: wait for autumn, and they are ready.
Tell us yours
Email your family’s sayings to hello@littlelebanese.com, in English, Arabic or both, with what it means to you. Some may become future pages of Little Lebanese.