1234 Sicilian Proverbs / Page 51
1001.
When the fields are flooded you'll have hunger, when they're snow covered there'll be plenty to eat.1002.
When the hunt is not successful, go find snails.1003.
When the hunting dog barks it's a signal that the prey is near.1004.
When the husband is a hen and the wife is a cock, the house is in a jumble.1005.
When the moon is pale, it will rain; when it's red, it will be windy and when it's clear, it will be serene.1006.
When the old man falls, don't laugh, the young have also fallen.1007.
When the olive tree blooms during April, olives are harvested with barrels, when it blossoms in June, they are harvested in handfuls.1008.
When the ox is at the slaughterhouse everyone comes running with their knives.1009.
When the partridge sings in the stone quarry bring the wood into the haystack.1010.
When the pear is ripe it falls by itself.1011.
When the poor man patches himself up, he seems newly dressed.1012.
When the ripened ears are full and fall over, as if in sleep, the farmer awakens, that is to say, he begins the harvest.1013.
When the rooster crows off the hour, don't hesitate to adjust the time.1014.
When the screech-owl sings, you can try to go to work for someone else if you're working for a bad owner.1015.
When the sickness is old not even Hippocrates can help.1016.
When the Sirocco blows in the winter, you can expect rain at any moment.1017.
When the weather changes, the beast sneezes.1018.
When there are lots of insects, look for a good grain year.1019.
When there is poverty, loyalty is suspect.1020.
When there's a clear horizon in winter, there'll be the devil to pay.