This proverb emphasizes that some people may appear impressive from the outside, but in reality, they lack substance or true depth (‘All that glitters is not gold’ is an equivalent English proverb). It serves as a warning against judging by appearances since appearances can be deceiving; what truly matters is the real content or authenticity of the person or situation. In the Malagasy context, the pumpkin often symbolizes something that can quickly deteriorate, thus the image of vanity and deception in this proverb.