Learn all about All Saints' Day
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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 16 All Saints' Day. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya watakatifu. |
| All Saints' Day is celebrated on November 1 by Christians all over the world, as well as in Kenya. It's a day of remembrance of devout believers and martyrs, people who refused to renounce their faith, for which their lives were taken. |
| In this lesson we’ll see how Christians in Kenya celebrate All Saints' Day. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| Which group of Christians celebrate this holiday? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| In Nairobi, Christians gather at the Holy Family Basilica Church or Kanisa takatifu ya familia ya Basilika for a service to celebrate this day. The priest usually asks the faithful to give the names of their dead loved ones so that they can be prayed for. Priests will then pray for them and all those who have shed their mortal skin all over the world. |
| Some Christians prepare for family gatherings, in Swahili mikutano ya kifamilia, and organize a service led by a priest at the graveyards of their loved ones. Some people attend with a solemn grace, singing religious songs and praying, while others stay together and drink informally. |
| The following day, a celebration is held to pray for the souls of all those who have died. This day is referred to as All Souls' Day. Preachers, friends, and relatives visit the graveyards, or jiwe la kaburi, to place flowers on their loved ones’ gravestone in an act of remembrance. |
| Flower and candle businesses boom during All Saints' Day and the day that follows when prayers are held for all souls. |
| Flowers and candles, in Swahili maua na misuma, are often used during such religious ceremonies. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Which group of Christians celebrate this holiday? |
| Christian believers of the Catholic Church, the Anglicans, and some Protestant Christians celebrate this day, as it is a day for respecting all martyrs. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Do you remember any martyrs in your country? If so, is there a particular day to commemorate them? |
| Leave us a comment at SwahiliPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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