Learn all about Assumption Sunday
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 15. Assumption Sunday. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Ukumbusho wa Kuchukuliwa Mbinguni kwa Bikira Mariamu. |
| Catholics all over the world, which of course includes those in Kenya, closely observe Assumption Sunday. |
| This lesson will highlight how Catholic Christians celebrate this day. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| Which pope declared this day a holiday and in which era did he do so? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Assumption Sunday is an annual event celebrated on August 15. On this day, devout Catholics wake up early in the morning and join a procession held on the streets, in Swahili called maandamano, sometimes even celebrating with fireworks. The statue of Mary, or sanamu ya Maria, is carried to a holy place where flowers are arranged for the celebration and where a statue of Jesus awaits her. |
| The statue of Jesus, sanamu ya Yesu, precedes that of Mary in the procession as it returns to church for a special benediction service. Prayers are offered to recognize the body of Mary ascending to heaven where it joins her soul. Believers pray to Mary as the mother of Jesus and request that she prays for them and defends them before God. |
| After this benediction, a special service of blessings takes place in church in which rose-scented water, or maji mawaridi, is sprinkled as a sign of blessing. Believers sing songs and entertain their fellow churchgoers with hymnals and drama, wearing costumes to imitate the three wise men mentioned in the Bible. |
| This day was not recognized as a Roman Catholic custom until 1950. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Which pope declared this day a holiday and in which era did he do so? |
| Assumption Sunday was first recognized in 1950 when the Roman Pope Pius XII declared that it should be a holiday. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Does your country have many followers of Catholicism as well? If so, how do they celebrate this holiday? |
| Leave us a comment at SwahiliPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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