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Archive for the 'Swahili Holidays' Category

Siku ya Wafanyikazi: Celebrating Labor Day in Kenya

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On International Labor Day, Kenyan workers both celebrate the gains the working class has achieved and demonstrate for further rights. In this article, you’ll learn about Labor Day celebrations in Kenya, the significance of this holiday for the country, and more.

Let’s get started.

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1. What is Labor Day?

A Worker Wearing a Yellow Helmet and Gloves

Labor Day began in the 1880s in the United States with the Haymarket Affair and the harakati ya masaa nane kwa siku (“eight-hour day movement” ).

In Kenya, Labor Day is a public holiday dedicated to celebrating the ufanisi wa uchumi (“economic achievement” ) and ufanisi wa ujamaa (“social achievement” ) that the country has seen in recent years. More importantly, however, many Kenyans see this holiday as an opportunity to demonstrate and protest to gain more workers’ rights.

Labor Day events are organized by COTU (Central Organization of Trade Unions), which is a labor union that fights for workers’ rights in Kenya.

    → Learn some useful vocabulary with our vocabulary list on Jobs / Work!

2. When is Labor Day in Kenya?

A Man Sleeping in Late

Each year, Kenyans celebrate Labor Day on May 1. This is the same date the rest of the world celebrates International Labor Day, except for the United States, which celebrates on the first Monday in September.

3. Labor Day Traditions & Celebrations

A Man and Woman Jogging Together Outside

In Kenya, Labor Day is a public holiday, so many businesses and schools are closed.

One of the biggest Labor Day celebrations in Kenya is when people gather at Uhuru Park. Here, a variety of events take place: a speech from the President of Kenya and other government officials, music and drama performances, and games for children to compete in. Sometimes, the President even offers higher salaries to civil servants or those who have a low income!

On Labor Day, Kenyans often organize demonstrations, protests, and parades in the streets. These are to request changes such as higher salaries or better work conditions, and also to celebrate the rights and privileges already gained.

Depending on when May 1 is in a given year, there may be an entire Labor Day weekend to celebrate and demonstrate!

4. Uhuru Park in 2019

Normally, there’s a huge turnout at Uhuru Park on Labor Day.

However, in 2019, hardly anyone showed up. There’s lots of speculation as to why this is, but some people claim that people are less-than-thrilled with COTU lately because their rights are no longer being fought for as they see fit.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Kenyan Labor Day

Someone Counting Stacks of Coins

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this lesson? Here’s a list of the most important Swahili words and phrases for Labor Day in Kenya!

  • Siku ya Wafanyikazi — “Labor Day” [n.]
  • Ufanisi wa uchumi — “Economic achievement”
  • Ufanisi wa ujamaa — “Social achievement”
  • Mfanyikazi — “Worker” [n.]
  • Harakati ya masaa nane kwa siku — “Eight-hour day movement”
  • Masaa nane ya kazi — “Eight hours labor”
  • Masaa nane ya starehe — “Eight hours recreation”
  • Saa nane ya kupumzika — “Eight hours rest”
  • Sherehe — “Celebration” [n.]
  • Gwaride — “Parade” [n.]

To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Swahili Labor Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Labor Day in Kenya with us, and that you took away some valuable information.

Do you celebrate Labor Day in your country? If so, how do celebrations differ from those in Kenya? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

If you want to learn even more about Kenyan culture and the Swahili language, you may be interested in the following pages:

This is just the tip of the iceberg. For even more fantastic Swahili-learning resources, create your free account with SwahilPod101.com today. You can also upgrade to our Premium or Premium PLUS plans for exclusive lessons and content to help you learn Swahili faster.

Happy Labor Day, and good luck with your learning! 🙂

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Everything You Should Know About Jamhuri Day in Kenya

Everything You Should Know About Jamhuri Day in Kenya

The Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kenya reflect the joy Kenyans have in their country’s freedom and independence from British colonial rule. They also reflect the unique and colorful culture of Kenya as a whole.

In this article, you’ll learn about Jamhuri Day in Kenya, including its history and current celebrations. At SwahiliPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative, starting with this article!

Ready? Let’s go.

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1. What is Jamhuri Day?

Jamhuri Day is Kenya’s celebration of its independence and freedom. The Swahili word jamhuri translates to “republic” in English, and Jamhuri Day is also called “Republic Day” or “Independence Day.”

1- Jamhuri Day History

Germans were the first colonists to Kenya, though in the 1890s, the British colonists who came after them claimed Kenya for themselves. In 1920, the British officially colonized Kenya.

As you can imagine, this led to disputes over time. Such disputes typically had to do with the lack of political involvement allowed the African people, and others were over land or cultural issues.

Finally, in 1952, a group of people—led by Dedan Kimathi, who was later executed—started the Mau Mau Uprising. This led to approximately ten long years of great distress throughout Kenya, though over time, the British colonists did allow room for the African people to address these issues.

Jomo Kenyatta was elected the first President of the Kenyan government in 1957. In 1964, he also served as the first President of the Republic of Kenya.

2. Jamhuri Day Date

Flag of Kenya African National Union

Each year, Kenya celebrates its Independence Day on December 12. This is the date in 1964 that the country officially became a republic.

3. Jamhuri Day Celebrations & Traditions

Different Masks

Jamhuri Day in Kenya holds a colorful variety of celebrations and events.

Some of the more popular and festive Jamhuri Day traditions include parades and air shows, especially in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Perhaps the most spectacular of these events is the Trooping of the Colour, a British and Commonwealth tradition. Further, Kenya’s President gives a Jamhuri Day speech each year and watches the parade along with the rest of Kenya.

At home, many Kenyans celebrate by rejoining their families for a time of feasting and catching up with each other. Families who choose to spend most of their time at home may watch the Jamhuri Day awards, speeches, and parades on TV together as well.

4. Bungee Jumping

Jamhuri Day parades, fireworks, and a cozy meal with loved ones isn’t quite enough for some Kenyans, though. Do you know how else some people choose to celebrate Jamhuri Day?

To celebrate freedom and independence in a more exhilarating way, some people go bungee jumping. Yes, bungee jumping!

5. Vocabulary for Jamhuri Day in Kenya

Commonwealth

Here’s some Swahili vocabulary you should know for Jamhuri Day!

  • Uingereza — “England”
  • Jomo Kenyatta — “Jomo Kenyatta”
  • Sikukuu ya Uhuru — “Independence Day”
  • Jamhuri — “Republic”
  • Ukoloni — “Colonization”
  • Shirikisho la Kimataifa ya Kenya — “Kenya African National Union”
  • Mapinduzi ya Mau Mau — “Mau Mau Uprising”
  • Hali ya hatari — “State of emergency
  • Jumuiya ya madola — “Commonwealth”
  • Urithi wa kitamaduni — “Cultural heritage”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Swahili Jamhuri Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

How do you celebrate Independence Day in your country? Are traditions similar or very different from those in Kenya? Let us know in the comments!

Learning about a country’s history and culture is one of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of trying to master its language. If you’re interested in learning more about Kenya and her people, you may find the following pages on SwahiliPod101.com interesting:

Learning Swahili doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming task—with SwahiliPod101.com, it can even be fun! If you’re serious about learning the language, but don’t have time for unnecessary hassle, create your free lifetime account today!

Happy Jamhuri Day! 🙂

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How to Say Happy New Year in Swahili & New Year Wishes

Learn all the Swahili New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join SwahiliPod101 for a special Swahili New Year celebration!

How to Say Happy New Year in Swahili

Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March – December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated.

So, how do you say Happy New Year in Swahili? Let a native teach you! At SwahiliPod101, you will learn how to correctly greet your friends over New Year, and wish them well with these Swahili New Year wishes!

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Table of Contents

  1. How to Celebrate New Year in Kenya
  2. Must-Know Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year!
  3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions in Swahili
  4. Inspirational New Year Quotes
  5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes
  6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages
  7. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You Learn Swahili

But let’s start with some vocabulary for Swahili New Year celebrations, very handy for conversations.

1. How to Celebrate New Year in Kenya

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 every year. It’s the time of the year when people reflect on the year past, and resolve to make a new plan for the next year of their lives.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Do you know what parents do for their children on the first day of the year in Kenya?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

People wait for New Year’s Day with a lot of enthusiasm, or in Swahili shauku. The faithful go to church and stay overnight while waiting for midnight to come, while others prefer to go to entertainment clubs to relax and dance to music.

When the clock finally strikes twelve, people yell in great excitement and enjoy fireworks, or fataki. Nowadays many people immediately turn to their cell phones to send New Year’s special messages to family and friends, such as Sikukuu ya Mwaka Mpya!, meaning “Happy New Year!” in Swahili. Those gathered in churches pray to thank God instead.

In the morning, people start to prepare special meals and drinks. Some invite visitors and entertain them with singing, dancing, and drama. Goats, called mbuzi, are slaughtered in abundance, since the meat is popular during this time. In addition, chapati, or flat bread, mukimo, which is a mixture of peas, potatoes, and greens, pilau, spiced rice, and different kinds of stews are also served.

During the daytime after the feasting, some people clothe themselves in elegant garments and visit places for pleasure. For instance, some go to the wild animal parks, while others go to have fun at the beach. New Year’s is always a big boost to domestic tourism.

On this day, besides celebrating, people try also to involve themselves in popular and responsible activities. They believe that if they are good from the beginning of the year, the rest of it will be successful. They also make good new resolutions, or nia.

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know what parents do for their children on the first day of the year in Kenya?

Parents aim to please their children by giving them different gifts. These can be useful things, such as clothes or shoes, or a special toy that the child has had their eye on for a while.

Happy New Year!
Heri ya Mwaka Mpya!

2. Must-Know Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year!

Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year

1- Year

mwaka

This is pretty self-explanatory. Most countries follow a Gregorian calendar, which has approximately 365 days in a year, while in some cultures, other year designations are also honored. Therefore, New Year’s day in Kenya could fall on a different day than in your country. When do you celebrate New Year?

2- Midnight

usiku wa manane

The point in time when a day ends and a new one starts. Many New Year celebrants prefer to stay awake till midnight, and greet the new annum as it breaks with fanfare and fireworks!

3- New Year’s Day

mwaka mpya

In most countries, the new year is celebrated for one whole day. On the Gregorian calendar, this falls on January 1st. On this day, different cultures engage in festive activities, like parties, parades, big meals with families and many more.

You can do it!

4- Party

chama

A party is most people’s favorite way to end the old year, and charge festively into the new one! We celebrate all we accomplished in the old year, and joyfully anticipate what lies ahead.

5- Dancing

densi

Usually, when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year officially begins, people break out in dance! It is a jolly way to express a celebratory mood with good expectations for the year ahead. Also, perhaps, that the old year with its problems has finally passed! Dance parties are also a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in many places.

6- Champagne

mvinyo mweupe

Originating in France, champagne is a bubbly, alcoholic drink that is often used to toast something or someone during celebrations.

7- Fireworks

fataki

These are explosives that cause spectacular effects when ignited. They are popular for announcing the start of the new year with loud noises and colorful displays! In some countries, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. In others, the use of fireworks is forbidden in urban areas due to their harmful effect on pets. Most animals’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans’, so this noisy display can be very frightful and traumatising to them.

Happy Near Year!

8- Countdown

Siku zilizosalia

This countdown refers to New Year celebrants counting the seconds, usually backward, till midnight, when New Year starts – a great group activity that doesn’t scare animals, and involves a lot of joyful shouting when the clock strikes midnight!

9- New Year’s Holiday

likizo ya Mwaka Mpya

In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday – to recuperate from the party the previous night, perhaps! Families also like to meet on this day to enjoy a meal and spend time together.

10- Confetti

chengechenge

In most Western countries, confetti is traditionally associated with weddings, but often it is used as a party decoration. Some prefer to throw it in the air at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

11- New Year’s Eve

Siku ya kuamkia mwaka mpya

This is the evening before New Year breaks at midnight! Often, friends and family meet for a party or meal the evening before, sometimes engaging in year-end rituals. How are you planning to give your New Year greetings in 2018?

12- Toast

Vifijo!

A toast is a type of group-salutation that involves raising your glass to drink with others in honor of something or someone. A toast to the new year is definitely in order!

13- Resolution

azimio

Those goals or intentions you hope to, but seldom keep in the new year! Many people consider the start of a new year to be the opportune time for making changes or plans. Resolutions are those intentions to change, or the plans. It’s best to keep your resolutions realistic so as not to disappoint yourself!

14- Parade

gwaride

New Year celebrations are a huge deal in some countries! Parades are held in the streets, often to celebratory music, with colorful costumes and lots of dancing. Parades are like marches, only less formal and way more fun. At SwahiliPod101, you can engage in forums with natives who can tell you what Swahili New Year celebrations are like!

3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions List

So, you learned the Swahili word for ‘resolution’. Fabulous! Resolutions are those goals and intentions that we hope to manifest in the year that lies ahead. The beginning of a new year serves as a good marker in time to formalise these. Some like to do it in writing, others only hold these resolutions in their hearts. Here are our Top 10 New Year’s resolutions at SwahiliPod101 – what are yours?

Learn these phrases and impress your Swahili friends with your vocabulary.

New Year's Resolutions

1- Read more

Soma kwa wingi.

Reading is a fantastic skill that everyone can benefit from. You’re a business person? Apparently, successful business men and women read up to 60 books a year. This probably excludes fiction, so better scan your library or Amazon for the top business reads if you plan to follow in the footsteps of the successful! Otherwise, why not make it your resolution to read more Swahili in the new year? You will be surprised by how much this will improve your Swahili language skills!

2- Spend more time with family

Kuwa na wakati mwingi na familia.

Former US President George Bush’s wife, Barbara Bush, was quoted as having said this: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.” This is very true! Relationships are often what gives life meaning, so this is a worthy resolution for any year.

3- Lose weight

Kufinyaa.

Hands up, how many of you made this new year’s resolution last year too…?! This is a notoriously difficult goal to keep, as it takes a lot of self discipline not to eat unhealthily. Good luck with this one, and avoid unhealthy fad diets!

4- Save money

Weka akiba.

Another common and difficult resolution! However, no one has ever been sorry when they saved towards reaching a goal. Make it your resolution to save money to upgrade your subscription to SwahiliPod101’s Premium PLUS option in the new year – it will be money well spent!

5- Quit smoking

Kuwacha kuvuta sigara.

This is a resolution that you should definitely keep, or your body could punish you severely later! Smoking is a harmful habit with many hazardous effects on your health. Do everything in your power to make this resolution come true in the new year, as your health is your most precious asset.

6- Learn something new

Jifunze jambo jipya.

Science has proven that learning new skills can help keep brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay! It can even slow down the progression of the disease. So, keep your brain healthy by learning to speak a new language, studying towards a qualification, learning how to sew, or how to play chess – no matter how old you are, the possibilities are infinite!

7- Drink less

Kunywa kidogo.

This is another health resolution that is good to heed any time of the year. Excessive drinking is associated with many diseases, and its effect can be very detrimental to good relationships too. Alcohol is a poison and harmful for the body in large quantities!

8- Exercise regularly

Fanya zoezi kila wakati.

This resolution goes hand-in-hand with ‘Lose weight’! An inactive body is an unhealthy and often overweight one, so give this resolution priority in the new year.

9- Eat healthy

Kula kunawiri.

If you stick with this resolution, you will lose weight and feel better in general. It is a very worthy goal to have!

10- Study Swahili with SwahiliPod101

kujifunza Kiswahili na SwahiliPod101.com

Of course! You can only benefit from learning Swahili, especially with us! Learning how to speak Swahili can keep your brain healthy, it can widen your circle of friends, and improve your chances to land a dream job anywhere in the world. SwahiliPod101 makes it easy and enjoyable for you to stick to this resolution.

4. Inspirational New Year Quotes

Inspirational Quotes

Everyone knows that it is sometimes very hard to stick to resolutions, and not only over New Year. The reasons for this vary from person to person, but all of us need inspiration every now and then! A good way to remain motivated is to keep inspirational quotes near as reminders that it’s up to us to reach our goals.

Click here for quotes that will also work well in a card for a special Swahili new year greeting!

Make decorative notes of these in Swahili, and keep them close! Perhaps you could stick them above your bathroom mirror, or on your study’s wall. This way you not only get to read Swahili incidentally, but also remain inspired to reach your goals! Imagine feeling like giving up on a goal, but reading this quote when you go to the bathroom: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” What a positive affirmation!

5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes

Language Learning Quotes

Still undecided whether you should enroll with SwahiliPod101 to learn a new language? There’s no time like the present to decide! Let the following Language Learning Quotes inspire you with their wisdom.

Click here to read the most inspirational Language Learning Quotes!

As legendary President Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” So, learning how to say Happy New Year in Swahili could well be a way into someone special’s heart for you! Let this year be the one where you to learn how to say Happy New Year, and much more, in Swahili – it could open many and unexpected doors for you.

6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages

Here’s a lovely bonus for you! Why stop with Swahili – learn how to say Happy New Year in 31 other languages too! Watch this video and learn how to pronounce these New Year’s wishes like a native in under two minutes.

7. Why Enrolling with SwahiliPod101 Would Be the Perfect New Year’s Gift to Yourself!

If you are unsure how to celebrate the New Year, why not give yourself a huge gift, and enroll to learn Swahili! With more than 12 years of experience behind us, we know that SwahiliPod101 would be the perfect fit for you. There are so many reasons for this!

Learning Paths

  • Custom-tailored Learning Paths: Start learning Swahili at the level that you are. We have numerous Learning Pathways, and we tailor them just for you based on your goals and interests! What a boon!
  • Marked Progress and Fresh Learning Material Every Week: We make new lessons available every week, with an option to track your progress. Topics are culturally appropriate and useful, such as “Learning how to deliver negative answers politely to a business partner.” Our aim is to equip you with Swahili that makes sense!
  • Multiple Learning Tools: Learn in fun, easy ways with resources such 1,000+ video and audio lessons, flashcards, detailed PDF downloads, and mobile apps suitable for multiple devices!
  • Fast Track Learning Option: If you’re serious about fast-tracking your learning, Premium Plus would be the perfect way to go! Enjoy perks such as personalised lessons with ongoing guidance from your own, native-speaking teacher, and one-on-one learning on your mobile app! You will not be alone in your learning. Weekly assignments with non-stop feedback, answers and corrections will ensure speedy progress.
  • Fun and Easy: Keeping the lessons fun and easy-to-learn is our aim, so you will stay motivated by your progress!

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There’s no reason not to go big in 2018 by learning Swahili with SwahiliPod101. Just imagine how the world can open up for you!

How to Say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili

How to Say Merry Christmas in Swahili

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili? SwahiliPod101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Swahili Christmas phrases!

Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Swahili speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, SwahiliPod101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili!

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Table of Contents

  1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Kenya
  2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes
  3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
  4. Twelve Days of Christmas
  5. Top 10 Christmas Characters
  6. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Kenya

Christmas Words in Swahili

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year. Christians all over the world gather in churches on Christmas Eve, which is December 24, and wait together until twelve midnight, which is the time when it is believed Jesus Christ was born.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Many Kenyans choose to travel on Christmas; do you know where they go?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

Christmas celebrations typically begin on December 24th. Many workers are given holidays starting on the 23rd to allow them to prepare for the 25th, which is the most important day. During the day on the 24th, people go shopping, or kununua bidhaa, and buy all the food products they will need from supermarkets and other places. Flour, rice, drinks, and various goods are bought in abundance ahead of time, because not many shops are open on Christmas Day.

As I mentioned previously, on Christmas Eve many Christian believers, in Swahili muumini, stay awake until twelve midnight because they believe that is the time Jesus Christ was born. If the weather is fine and the sky is clear, most people will wait outside, lighting fires and singing songs to praise Jesus. Some go to church and join with the children in singing and acting in plays about the birth of Jesus.

When Christmas comes on December 25, people celebrate in different ways. Some people go to church in the morning and when they come back, they celebrate by feasting and drinking special drinks. Many Kenyans like roasted goat meat. After feasting and drinking, some people visit national parks, or mbuga la wanyama, to see the wild animals, or go to swimming pools and amusement parks to amuse their children.

On this celebrated day, people also go to great lengths to please their relatives, often spending money on luxurious goods, or bidhaa starehe. Many people don’t hold back, instead simply praying they will be able to afford basic needs, or bidhaa msingi and sustain themselves also after Christmas!

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Many Kenyans choose to travel on Christmas; do you know where they go?

Most people travel from the cities they live in to the countryside where their roots are. Others opt to visit the cities of Mombasa and Naivasha and spend the vacation at a hotel or eat in special restaurants.

2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season

Holiday Greetings and Wishes

1- Merry Christmas!

Siku kuu ya Krismasi!

Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!

2- Happy Kwanzaa!

Furaha ya Kwanzaa!

Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!

3- Have a happy New Year!

Mwaka Mpya wa heri njema!

In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.

4- Happy Hanukkah!

Furaha Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.

5- Have a great winter vacation!

Kuwa na likizo mzuri katika msimu wa baridi.

This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.

6- See you next year!

Tuonane mwaka ujao!

Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.

7- Warm wishes!

Matakwa ya kheri!

An informal, friendly phrase to write in Swahili Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.

8- Happy holidays!

Likizo ya furaha!

If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in Swahili, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.

9- Enjoy the holidays!

Furahia likizo!

After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.

10- Best wishes for the New Year!

Heri njema za mwaka mpya!

This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.

3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in Swahili! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At SwahiliPod101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!

1- Christmas

Krismasi

This is the Swahili word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in Swahili will include this word!

2- Snow

theluji

In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.

3- Snowflake

theluji

Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.

4- Snowman

bwana theluji

As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.

5- Turkey

bata mzinga

Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?

6- Wreath

zingo

Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.

7- Reindeer

swala

Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?

8- Santa Claus

Santa Klaus

Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!

9- Elf

kijini

An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!

10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph, swara wa pua nyekundu

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!

11- North Pole

Ncha ya Kaskazini

The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!

12- Sled

kijikiti kwenye theluji

A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.

13- Present

zawadi

Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.

14- Bell

kengele

On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.

15- Chimney

dohani

The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!

16- Fireplace

pahali pa moto

In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!

17- Christmas Day

Siku ya Krismasi

This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.

18- Decoration

urembo

Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.

19- Stocking

soksi ya zawadi

According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.

20- Holly

mmea wa holi

Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.

21- Gingerbread house

nyumba ya tangawizimkate

According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.

22- Candy cane

peremende umbo wa fimbo

According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!

23- Mistletoe

misolto

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!

4. Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas

Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Swahili, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!

The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?

5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture

Top 10 Christmas Characters

This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in Swahili! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.

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