Key Swahili vocabulary for holidays, traditions, and social customs, with brief notes on greetings, hospitality, and gift-giving etiquette. Front: the Swahili word or phrase. Back: English meaning and brief cultural note.
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- Harambee
- pulling together; a Kenyan and Tanzanian tradition of community self-help and fundraising events
- Karibu
- welcome; a warm greeting extended to visitors, central to Swahili hospitality
- Ugali
- a staple cornmeal dish; the everyday communal food eaten with the hands at most meals
- Harusi
- wedding; traditional Swahili weddings often include days of celebration and henna ceremonies
- Mahari
- dowry or bride price; gifts given by the groom's family to the bride's family before marriage
- Sherehe
- celebration or party; a general term for festive gatherings marking special occasions
- Bui bui
- a black cloak; a traditional garment worn by Muslim Swahili women along the coast
- Kanga
- a printed cloth worn by women, often printed with Swahili proverbs as everyday wisdom
- Kitenge
- a colorful fabric used for clothing and worn at ceremonies across East Africa
- Sikukuu
- holiday or festival; a general word for public or religious celebrations
- Eid al-Fitr
- the feast ending Ramadan, widely celebrated among Swahili-speaking Muslim communities
- Ramadhani
- Ramadan; the Islamic month of fasting observed by many Swahili speakers
- Mzee
- elder or respected older person; a term of respect for older men and community leaders
- Bibi
- grandmother; also used respectfully to address an elderly woman
- Babu
- grandfather; also used respectfully to address an elderly man
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