Sicilian Proverbs

Sicilian Proverbs distill island wit from a Mediterranean crossroads shaped by Greek, Arab, and Norman rule. They prize shrewdness, honor, family ties, and the patience learned under Mount Etna’s shadow.

Your value is set by your worth. (Sicilian Proverb)
Youth spent freely, old age spent in poverty. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
A silent woman is a good woman. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
You can tell an educated person by their talk and bells by their ringing. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
You get more from a few good animals than from the many that are poorly grazed. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Whoever sows within the vineyard, neither reaps a crop nor harvests grapes. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
As you pay the price with the fertilizer, the hoe and pruning determines the harvest of the olives. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
At Caltagirone a hairy conscience and a crown with fifteen places. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
At Taormina every climb has its descent. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
August rain brings oil, honey and must. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Avoid doctors and always keep them far away. (Sicilian Proverb)
Better a woman who is dark-skinned and gracious, than one who is light-skinned and insipid. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Who rids himself of his own freedom, always finds himself with worry and pain. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Both cold and hunger make the mouth quiver. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Bread and cheese, neither beneficial nor bad. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Who goes to the fair without money, goes with one problem and returns with three. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Chestnut horses and surly men can't even cover expenses. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Choose bread with eyes, cheese without eyes and wine that makes your eyes pop. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Choose old wine and new oil. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Completing a transaction with money borrowed at usury is a bad purchase. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Concern is the beginning of wealth. (Sicilian Proverb)
Who fails to show restraint in their youth, will be miserable in their old age. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
When you're invited, eat heartily, because if they like you they'll laugh, and if they don't like you they'll feel the pangs of death. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
White wine strengthens the hip. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
Dogs bark and oxen graze. View proverb
Sicilian Proverb
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