Africa & The Middle East!
Welcome to Africa and the Middle East! This vast, diverse region is beautifully connected by powerful storytelling, traditional rhythms, and deep historic legacies. Explore the custom traditions of Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Israel to see how community, gratitude, and music take center stage during special times of the year.
A greeting card collection was created for this region and you can view them on my GIPHY Account. Please feel free to send them to your family and friends and share this link with them too.
African descent – Kwanzaa
🎵 English Lyrics:
We light the kinara, candle by flame
Seven principles we proudly name
With family, culture, and unity deep
The promises of our harvest we keep
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Kinara: The traditional seven-branched candle holder.
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Mishumaa Saba: The seven candles (three red, one black, three green).
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The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Created in 1966, this week-long winter holiday honors African-American culture, community values, and historical roots.
Did You Know? Families gather globally to light the seven candles of a traditional wooden candelabrum called a kinara.
Fun Fact: Each of the seven days focuses on reflecting upon a core cultural principle, like unity and creativity!
Ethiopia – Enkutatash (New Year)
🎵 Amharic Lyrics:
እንቁጣጣሽ አደሰሽን አዲሱን ዓመት
በደስታ እንቀበል በፍቅር በሰላም
አበቦች አብበዋል በሜዳው ላይ ሁሉ
መልካም አዲስ ዓመት እያሉ ይዘምራሉ
📝 English Translation:
Enkutatash renews the brand-new year,
We welcome it with love, peace, and cheer!
The flowers have bloomed across the wide plain,
Singing sweet wishes as New Year comes again!
Enkutatash means "gift of jewels" and marks the end of the heavy rainy season when the countryside blooms with bright yellow flowers.
Did You Know? This ancient celebration dates back to when the famous Queen of Sheba was welcomed back to Ethiopia with beautiful treasures.
Fun Fact: The celebration perfectly times with the exact moment the landscape fills with bright yellow daisies!
Nigeria – Eyo Festival
🎵 Yoruba Lyrics:
Eyo ló n bọ̀, ẹ jẹ́ ká yọ̀!
Aṣọ funfun títàn, ayọ̀ kúnlẹ̀
Gba ọ̀pá rẹ mú, jó fún ìlú
Ayọ̀ ńlá n bọ̀ fún gbogbo wa
📝 English Translation:
The Eyo is coming, let us rejoice out loud!
Shining white robes make the village so proud!
Hold onto your staff, dance for the town near,
Great joy is coming for everyone here!
This deeply traditional harvest festival is celebrated by the Igbo people to give thanks to the spirits for a successful crop of yams.
Did You Know? Yams are considered the absolute most important staple food source and cultural crop in the region.
Fun Fact: Before anyone can eat the new harvest, community elders must host traditional dances and masquerades to bless the land!
South Africa – Heritage Day
🎵 Zulu Lyrics:
Siyavuma, siyagiduka namuhla
Sifuna ukukhombisa amasiko ethu
Ngengubo ezinhle nomculo omnandi
Siyazighenya ngobuthina bethu
📝 English Translation:
We agree, we are dancing with pride today,
We want to show our heritage in a grand way!
With beautiful clothing and music so sweet,
We are proud of our culture and friends that we meet!
Created in 1995 after South Africa became a free democracy, this day encourages citizens to celebrate their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Did You Know? People across the nation celebrate by wearing their traditional, colorful tribal clothing and sharing cultural songs.
Fun Fact: Citizens of all backgrounds unite for a giant, nationwide backyard barbecue celebration called a braai!
Israel – Purim
🎵 Hebrew Lyrics:
אוכל המן על שולחן חג
רעשנים מרעישים בקול רם
חג פורים שמח, ילדים רוקדים
שמחה גדולה בכל הבתים
📝 English Translation:
Hamantaschen sits on the holiday table tonight,
Loud wooden graggers shake with delight!
A happy Purim holiday, children dance free,
Great joy in every house for all to see!
Purim is a joyful holiday that celebrates a brave queen named Esther who saved her people in ancient Persia.
Did You Know? Children celebrate by dressing up in fun costumes and acting out the historical story in creative plays.
Fun Fact: Families bake and share sweet triangular cookies filled with fruit jam called Hamantaschen!
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