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