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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Throwing Mud African Proverb

Understand that you are not your past. When someone uses your past against you and enjoys reminding you of your past mistakes, all trust is lost and you cannot tell anything personal to anyone because you feel they will throw it all back in your face.

What happened in the past is used to gain power and control over you by blaming and shaming you. Throwing Mud African Igbo Proverb teaches you cannot throw mud and stay clean.

proverb brown mud white letters

He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down - African Igbo Proverb 

Releasing the past and those who trigger the memories associated with it, is a crucial step in moving forward and achieving peace of mind. It allows us to let go of the burden of past mistakes, hurts, and regrets, and focus instead on the present moment and creating a brighter future. By doing so, we are able to release ourselves from the chains that bind us to the past and embrace the endless possibilities that await us.

Acceptance is the first step to letting go and setting yourself free. Believe in yourself. Believe in your purpose.  Understand. Take time to reflect on your own history as a third party looking in without judgment: simply observe. Understand that you are not your past. 

Understand that situations and patterns in your life created your experiences they did not create you. Consciously and actively, work at letting go of your story; your judgments and ideals.

Every day grants a chance to create ourselves afresh to shake off the past, open up to the present moment without being reminded of the past to create an extraordinary future. Accept your history and remember that it does not define you.

How to let go of a toxic person throwing mud at you.

People need people, but sometimes the cost is a heavy one and in that case, let go. Do not stay in mud-throwing toxic relationships out of fear of being alone.

Realize its ok to go your separate ways. 

Allow yourself to be sad. 

Do not wallow in hurt and bitterness. 

Do not wait for an apology. 

Focus on your healthy relationships. 

Gather the help of non-mud trowing friends. 

Have less and less contact with the toxic person.

Let yourself move on.
Love not fear

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

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