Nhanga rekugwanzi (nzira) ndimandiparira ngozi.
The pumpkin that grows near the pathway leads to misfortune.
Tsanagudzo
Zviito zvakanaka zvemunhu kana pfuma yake zvikabuda pachena zvinowanzokonzera kuvengwa navamwe.
What the Words Say
The pumpkin that grows near the pathway leads to misfortune.
What It Means
Good deeds or good fortune, when advertised, breed contempt and dislike.
Cultural Context
Most pumpkin growers understand that when they foresee a plump and beautiful pumpkin, it is normal to conceal it under some its leaves. The belief in some cases is that pumpkins grows grow better when in hiding or maybe it was merely to prohibit continual expectant glances at the vegetable. However it was also realized that when others get to see the pumpkin it may leave them writhing in jealousy and concocting ways to steal the pumpkin. The owner of the pumpkin that becomes visible to everyone may find themselves being despised or even being cursed or considered conceited. This example was used by our ancestors to explain the envious eyes and words given to those whose fortune and good deeds are in the public domain. It also helps to caution those with fortune to not show it off.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to explain situations where an outstanding individual or prominent person is despised due to their positive attributes or their fortune. The proverb is also be used indirectly to encourage a prominent individual to not show off or unnecessarily expose their attributes and fortune as this may lead to them being despised or considered haughty.