The phrase “blood is thicker than water” holds a surprising truth often overlooked, as its full version reveals a deeper emphasis on chosen relationships over familial ties.
Lusaka, Nov. 26 – Much like the Bemba saying “Ubucende bwa mwaume tabutoba ng’anda” has been widely misunderstood, the phrase “blood is thicker than water” is often misinterpreted. The full expression, rarely quoted, is: “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”
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The phrase underscores the idea that connections we intentionally form – through shared values, experiences, or spiritual commitments – often surpass those tied to family by birth. While familial relationships hold importance, the “blood of the covenant” symbolizes deeper, more meaningful bonds forged through choice. This perspective challenges traditional notions of loyalty and kinship, urging us to prioritize relationships that genuinely enrich our lives.
Similarly, the Bemba proverb “Ubucende bwa mwaume tabutoba ng’anda” – translated as “A man’s infidelity does not destroy the marriage” – is often misunderstood as endorsing double standards.
However, its true purpose was to caution women against extramarital affairs, highlighting the emotional attachment women often form in such relationships. Unlike men, whose infidelity may lack emotional involvement, left preserved for their marriages, women’s affairs often lead to neglecting their husbands, jeopardizing their marriages. The expression does not at all imply that a man’s infidelity is less likely to result in divorce than a woman’s.
Also Read: Silencing the Truth Fails to Mask the Reality, Paves the Way for Lungu’s Return. As Zambia’s economic crisis worsens and Hichilema resorts to silencing the revelation of the truth, the likelihood of Edgar Lungu’s comeback grows, reflecting the people’s call for leadership that values accountability and true public service over political suppression.
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