How did the names Mishkah and Rima become a popular proverb used when two people who share the same flaws and temperaments meet? A charming story from the mountain's memory is revisited in a new episode of "Qalu bil-Jabal".
The story is told about a young man named Mishkah, known for his laziness and lack of resourcefulness, and a girl named Rima, who resembled him in her neglect and inability to take responsibility. When the villagers could not find anyone willing to marry either of them, the elders suggested they marry each other, so that each one would be of the same mold as their partner.
Hence, the story became associated with the proverb: "Married Mishkah to Rima... neither is worth a thing," which is said about two people who are similar in their flaws, so neither finds in the other a reason for reproach or blame.
Thus, popular proverbs preserve stories from people's memories, distilling them into a few words, keeping their meaning present in the conversations of generations.
