(Version in Hokkien)
Thow Thow Kawan
Buay Lai Lawan
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(Version in English)
Friends at the very beginning
Enemies in the end.
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About this Rhyme/Saying:~
This Hokkien Rhyme/Saying describes the undesired consequence of friends turning foe. Note that the word ‘kawan’ meaning ‘friends’ and ‘lawan’ meaning ‘fight’ is borrowed from the Malay lingua but nevertheless has been part of our Hokkien colloquial since time immemorial.
The author/owner has compiled for record, a collection of early Hokkien sayings, proverbs, rhymes and ditties to capture the essence and spirit of his hoi polloi, a community originating from the southern province of Fujian, China where individuals climbed aboard bum boats, crossing the South China Sea to settle in faraway lands to escape the brewing civil unrest and a way out from hardship carrying along with them in their journey, nothing except their trademark ponytails and their beliefs, very much rooted in Confucianism. These proverbs and sayings has always been a guide and lesson to the many who has never been to school so as to help them steer well in the river of life and in a way, it seeks to retell their lifestyle way back then so that the younger generation can gain an insight and foothold to their origin..
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