Learn all about Mother's 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 18 Mother's Day. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu Ya Mama Mzazi. |
| In Kenya, Mother's Day is celebrated on different dates each year, but no matter what date it may fall on, it will certainly be a Sunday. Like in other countries, on Mother’s Day children all over Kenya take time to appreciate their mother’s hard work and thank her for giving them life and taking care of them. |
| Through this lesson, you will find out how Kenyans celebrate Mother's Day. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question- |
| Who was the first woman, and mother, to receive a Nobel Peace Prize in Kenya? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| In Kenya, Mother’s Day is celebrated in churches and mosques by special prayers held in their honor. Mothers are also celebrated by being served breakfast, or in Swahili kiamsha kinywa, in bed, so they can enjoy a rare sleep-in. Children, together with their fathers, prepare her favorite breakfast as well as cake, cookies, or pizza and tea, porridge, or juice. |
| Children will also typically buy or make a bouquet of flowers, or maua ya kupendeza, for their mothers. Small children work hard to make her a special card, while most adolescents prefer buying cards, dresses, jewelry, or other kinds of gifts from shops as a sign of their gratitude. Older children may even arrange a visit to a spa for their moms. |
| Some Kenyans decide to go for a picnic as a family, playing games and doing activities that make their mother feel special. Fathers and children ensure that their mother doesn’t need to do any other work, especially not housework, or kazi ya nyumba. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Who was the first woman, and mother, to receive to Nobel Peace Prize in Kenya? |
| In 2004, Professor Wangari Maathai was the first woman in Africa to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She stood for development, democracy, and peace. |
| So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting? |
| Is there any difference between the way Kenyans celebrate Mother's Day and the way you do? |
| Leave us a comment at SwahiliPod101.com, and we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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