This proverb highlights the importance of family and the continuity of generations in Malagasy culture. Marriage is seen as a means to establish a family, but it is not just about having children; it is also about ensuring a continuous lineage with the coming of grandchildren. More generally, this emphasizes the values of family tradition and the importance of descendants. The equivalent in English could be: ‘We plant a tree to have fruits, and keep the tree for future fruits.’