Anyone who plants a tree before they die has not lived in vain.

What it means

A tree planted today gives its shade to those who come later. The proverb says that a life has been worthwhile if it leaves something of use to others.

Fon · West Africa

Source and context

From: Fon, West Africa

Source: Fon/Benin oral-tradition proverb collections (special-dictionary.com, "7 Famous Benin Proverbs") — tree/legacy entry

The meaning given here is our own reading. Other interpretations exist.

Heritage

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