Creole Proverbs of Belize

[A. Maberry]

On Mon, 12 Mar 2001 Bapopik at AOL.COM wrote:
>
> 18.  Bokotora law.
> MEANING:  The "bokotora" is a tortoise.  The actual meaning of this old
saying is clear: it is quoted in situations where it's "every man for himself
and the devil take the hindmost."  The problem is, what connection does this
sentiment have with tortoises?  Perhaps the tortoise was regarded as a type
of the unsocial creature (as compared to, say, ants or bees).
>

Just a guess, but I'm assuming it's due to the fact that a tortoise can
withdraw into his own shell for protection but really can't accommodate
anyone else.

Allen
maberry at u.washington.edu