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Henna Decorations for the Hands


Henna, also known as Mehndi in Hindi, is a dye prepared from the henna tree. Henna also refers to the art applied on the human skin and fabrics from the dyes. Since time immemorial it has been applied on the skin and fabrics among Indians, Arabs, Jews and Africans. Today we bring you seven facts about this interesting form of decoration.
1.      Preparation
Henna is made from the henna leaves of the henna tree. In most cases, it is sold as a powder, made from drying, milling and sifting the leaves which is then mixed with liquids such as water or lemon juice. The paste is left for more than 48 hours before it is ready for use.
2.      Application
Henna can be applied with many traditional like a stick or twig or modern tools such as a syringe or plastic cone. T prevent it from falling off the skin, the paste is sealed down by dabbing a lemon or sugar mix over the dried paste. Henna stains are orange when the paste is removed but darken over the next few days to a deep reddish brown three days after application.
3.      Used by Men and Women.
Muslim men use henna as a dye for hair and particularly their beards. This is considered sunnah in the Islamic religion while Muslim women use henna to dye their hands and nails to demonstrate femininity.
4.      Henna is not tattoo
Henna is not a form of tattoo and is not considered as a form of tattooing. Many people, unknowingly, tend to confuse tattoos on the human body with henna.
5.      Decorations for Weddings

Decorations for the Breasts

In ancient times, the Night of Henna was celebrated among Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Hindus.    Weddings and marriages were celebrated by adorning the bride and the groom with henna. Brides usually had a lot of henna and the most complex patterns. Today bridal henna nights are popular in Egypt, Morocco, on the Indian subcontinent and in many Arab countries.
6.      Symbol of Lasting romance
In Bulgaria, the bride was decorated with a lot of henna. This blot symbolized the drop of blood on the couples’ sheets after consummating the marriage and breaking the hymen of the bride. The longer the henna lasted, the longer the husband would love the wife. Swahili women at the coast apply henna on breasts with decorations of hearts, flowers or cups which hook men to the drawings during love making.


7.      Source of Magic
Henna Decorations for the Thighs
In Iran, henna is believed to be a magical and protective plant that when applied to the body, protects one from the evil eyes, brings happiness, integrity and guarantees one life after death. Henna is commonly used on long wedding rituals where the bride and bridegroom are adorned during the wedding week.
In East Africa, henna painting competitions have been held in Lamu, Malindi and Zanzibar especially during major cultural festivals. Expert painters earn good income from the lucrative art as not everybody is a qualified painter.
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This year’s Reed Dance or Umhlanga festival took place between 27 Aug 2019 and 2 Sept 2019. During this annual Swazi and Zulu event, tens of thousands of unmarried Swazi girls and women travel from the various chiefdoms to Ludzidzini Royal Village to participate in the eight day extravaganza.

In South Africa, the reed dance was introduced by the current Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini in 1991.The dance in South Africa takes place in Enyokeni Nangoma, a royal kraal of the Zulu king and it is known as Umkhosi woMhlanga. More than 25,000 virgins gather at the king’s traditional residence in a colorful ceremony every September.
Preparations For The Dance

The girls wear traditional attire, such as beads, anklets, bracelets, necklaces and skirts that show their bottoms. They dress in their skirts and sash with their breasts exposed according to their tradition, holding the knives they used to cut the reeds as a symbol of their virginity.
 On the day of the ceremony, the girls start walking to the main hut of the palace. As the king appears to watch the procession of girls, he is praised by poets or praise singers. The girls collect a reed from a huge pile and proceed in a very long procession. As they approach the king, they lay their reed down and head towards where the king is delivering his speech.

Matching In a Procession of The Reed Dance

In Swaziland, girls begin the rite by gathering at the Ludzdzini Royal Village. The following day, they disperse to surrounding areas to collect tall reeds. The following day they prepare their traditional costumes consisting of a bead necklace, rattling anklets, made from cocoons, a sash and a skirt. They also carry the bush knives which they had earlier use to cut the reeds as a symbol of their virginity.
The girls dance and sing in front of the royal family as well as a crowd of dignitaries, tourists and spectators. The king’s many daughters and royal princesses also participate in the reed dance and are distinguished from the rest by the crown of red feathers they wear on the head.
The Swazi King is traditionally mandated to pick a new wife every year from the virgins who partake in the traditional chastity rite held at the Ludzidzini Royal palace near Swaziland’s capital Mbambane.
King Mswati III succeeded his father in 1983 following the death of his father in 1982.He became the Crown Prince in 1983 at the age of 18, and was crowned king in 1986. The aim of the ceremony is to promote respect for young women, and preserve the custom of keeping girls as virgins until marriage.

The Crying Stone

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kakamega County
The Crying Stone
The Crying Stone of Kakamega has been crying since time immemorial. The 40 metres long mystic stone resembles a human head resting of human shoulders. From its top, “tears” flow down the rock. The Crying Stone is a major tourist attraction in Western Kenya.

 Kakamega Forest
The Beautiful Kakamega Forest

It is a tropical rain forest is situated in in Kakamega County. The forest measures 238 square kilometres. The forest is a major tourist attraction. There are 380 species of plants and 367 species of birds. Common mammals include the blue monkey, porcupines, baboons among others. There are hiking trails in the forest, that allow for forest camping, bird and game watching.

The Ilesi Pottery
Ilesi Pottery in Kakamega

The pottery art Ilesi is one thing that will capture the attention of any traveller as one plies the Khayega, Kakamega route. Flower vases, dishes, pots and jars are available for sell here. The clay works are done in the area and chimney kilns used to harden the products.

Bull Fighting
Bull Fighting in Kakamega

Bull fighting an age long tradition among the Isukha of Kakamega County is a popular sport enjoyed by all and sundry. Malinya Stadium in Kakamega has been established specifically for this purpose. The owners of the bulls that compete and win are normally given awards. Bull fighting as a sport has however attracted controversies with some observers claiming that the giant bulls are given bhang to make them more aggressive during competitions.

On the day of the competition, early in the morning a procession of isukuti dancers play traditional music as they escort a bull of their choice to the arena. Next time you think of watching bull fighting in Mexico, remember that Kakamega County is also an option.

Isukuti Dance
The Popular Isukuti Dance

It is commonly associated with the Isukha and Idakho of Kakamega County. In 2017 UNESCO certified the urgency of safeguarding isukuti dance as an ‘intangible Cultural Heritage’. It is the first Kenyan dance to gain global recognition.

Cock Fighting
Cock fighting is a popular sport in Kakamega County. The owners of the competing cocks feed them well, psyche them before the due. Annual competitions are held where the owners of the winning cocks are rewarded. Just like any other game, the cocks undergo rigorous training before the match day. Victorious cocks fetch more money on the market than the defeated ones



A  Woman Uses a Kiondo Basket to Pick Flowers

This year, American Democratic Party Presidential Candidate for the 2020 primaries Thomas Steyer surprised many people when he wore a Kenyan-made belt during campaigns. The billionaire businessman explained that he bought his favourite belt during one of his travels to the country and it was sold to him by a woman artisan in Kenya.
While it may pass as a joke to many, this highlights the good art work by Kenyan women which sometimes goes unnoticed as people scramble to buy things they consider Western. Thus today we highlight the benefits of investing in the kiondo marking craft, which is a traditional hobby for many women in Central and Eastern Kenya and why the government should invest in it.
Sustainable Future
 Kiondos stands for a sustainable future, clean and safe. Kenya banned the use of plastic bags in 2017. Kiondo is a good alternative as it is environment friendly. The use of kiondo is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Goal Number 14.
Beautiful and Durable

A Beautiful Kiondo Basket

Kiondo baskets are long lasting. They are made from hand twisted sisal fibres in a traditional weaving style while the straps are made from cow hides. Sisal basket weaving is a rich culture among the Agikuyu women from Central Kenya and Akamba women from Eastern Kenya. The Taita women make kiondo from the baobab tree.
Empowering Rural Women
A Kenyan Woman Weaving a Kiondo

It is a way of empowering rural women and stimulating local economy. The rural women who make this baskets use a hundred percent of their hard earnned income to support their families. Over the years, kiondos have been made by these rural women and exported. The women make the baskets casually as a side hustle while travelling in buses, relaxing at home or during their casual conversations. Thus what it means is that the government should look for a way of modernizing the production of these baskets and produce on large scale.
Promotion of Culture
 It is a way of promoting Kenyan culture. Of late, Kenyan kiondos have been getting competition from cheaper machine made kiondos from China, Japan and Taiwan. Japan has even gone ahead to patent it as its original owner. At least this is one area where the country can protect her traditional art and craft.
Kiondos are Cheap and Convenient
 It is cheap and convenient to carry. An average kiondo goes at less than ksh 500 and can last for a few years. Furthermore, Kiondos can be used to carry a variety of goods. These include vegetables, fruits, bread and other foodstuffs. Whether on one’s back, or in a car, there is always that convenience when the kiondo is nearby.
Springboard for Industrialization
 The foundation of 18th century industrial revolution in Britian was the textile industry. Cottage or small industries that were operated from home became the backbone of the industrial sector in Briatin and inventions such as the power loom, spinning jenny and water frame were invented to support the textile industries. With an already enthusiastic work force, this sector can significantly contribute to the vision of industrialization in Kenya.
President Uhuru Kenyatta adores Kenyan culture as seen from his trademark Maasai bangle that bears colors of the Kenyan flag. By supporting this industry with favourable policies, finances and market, kiondos can help in achieving the Big Four Agenda, whose pillar is manufacturing. Follow us on: www.twendeafricaposts.blogspot.com.





3 Occasions When Baganda Women Kneel For Men In Uganda
Kneeling before men is an age old tradition among the Baganda people of Uganda. It is a display of respect and humility and the only display of affection and appreciation that the Baganda elderly understand. We explore three occasions when kneeling is considered mandatory.
Greetings

A woman greets a man while kneeling 

 A few years ago, a photo of a Ugandan woman receiving a phone call from someone, presumably her husband, while kneeling went viral. Although traditionally, a woman in Uganda is expected to greet a man while kneeling as a sign of respect. This happens on the grass, dust, cement or beside the road. But kneeling to receive a phone call sounded comical. Traditionally, if a man greeted a woman who is carrying a load, she would respond, “I am unable to respond because I am carrying a load.”
When serving food

A Ugandan Woman Kneels to Serve Food

As a woman serves food, she ensures the man washes hands while she is kneeling. Often the men would take their time, washing their hands slowly before sitting to a meal of matoke and goat’s meat. The woman may kneel for as a long as five minutes. In May, 2019, a Ugandan waiteress in Kiambu, Stella Mteyo, 23, send men crazy after she reportedly served food on her knees. This king-like treatment attracted many customers to her eatery.
Wedding Day

A Ugandan Bride Kneels Down for the Bridegroom

Kneeling to serve one’s husband is a part of the wedding ceremony widely practiced. It is a much celebrated and awaited occasion as it proves that the woman is humble and knows her place in the home. After cutting the cake, the groom sits on a chair while the bride goes on the ground. She is given a plate with cake and icing from which she picks a piece and feeds the groom. Guests acknowledge the gesture with wild clapping and cheering.
 Although highly esteemed among the elderly, the tradition of kneeling is slowly changing especially with the new generation who consider it as a violation of human rights. Many human rights groups oppose the idea, claiming that it sustains inequalities in society.


Kikamba language is one of the widely spoken languages in Kenya. With a population of over 5  million speakers in Kenya knowing a few words and phrases can help one in communication

English to Kikamba Translations
Greetings..Ngethi
Hello..hello
I am fine...Nimuseo
How are you...wiiwata
Goodbye...Bye
See you later...Twonane masaa angi
Thank you....Ni muvea
Sorry...sorry
Very sorry...sorry muno
No worries....vai kiui
No problem...vai thina
Welcome(singular)...wimuthokye
Welcome(plural)...mwiathokye
What is your name....witawa ata
My name is....nitawa..
Nice to meet you...nuseo kukomana naku

AGREEMENTS AND DISAGREEMENTS
ok..Ni sawa
Yes..yii
No...ayie
I understand....ninguelewa
I don't like it....ndikwenda
Do you like it...Nukwenda


PRONOUNS
Me...nyie
Yu...we
Mine....yakwa
Ours...yitu

QUESTIONS IN ENGLISH
what...kyau
Where...naku
Which...yiku
Who...uu

DESCRIPTIONS IN ENGLISH TO KIKAMBA
Big..Nene
Small..Nini
Short...nguvi
Long....ndaasa
Colour...langi
Red...mutune
Black...nziu
Blue..buluu
White...white

DAYS AND MONTHS
Monday...wakwambiliilya
Tuesday...wakeeli
Wedneaday...wakataty
Thursday...wakana
Friday...wakataano
Saturday...wathanthatu
Sunday...wakyumwa

MONTHS
January..mwai wa mbee
Feb..mwai wa keeli
March...mwai wa katatu
April...mwai wa kana
May...mwai wa kataano
June...mwai wa thanthatu
July...mwai wa muonza
August...mwai wa nyanya
Sept...mwai wa keenda
Oct...mwai wa ikumi
Nov...mwai wa ikumi na umwe
Dec...mwai wa ikumi na ili

SHOPPING IN ENGLISH- KIKAMBA
shop...nduka
Price...thooa
Money...mbesa
How much...mbesa siana
Its cheap...ni laisi
It is expensive...ni mbesa mbingi
Please reduce the price...Theesya thooa
How do i pay....niivata

FOOD AND DRINKS
Eat...yaa
Food...liu
Bill...mbilu
Hot...mbiu
Cold...Nthithu
Fruit juice...juice ya matunda
Coffee.....kaawa
Tea...maiyani
Beer...uki
Soup...supu
Chicken...Nguku
Meat...Nyama
Fish....ikuyu
Its delicious....yi muyo

ANIMALS
Buffalo...mboo
Lion....munyambu
Elephant...nzou
Cheetah...kikoyo
Hyena....mbiti
Hippo...ngu'o
Crocodile....king'ang'i
Goat...mbui
Dog...ngiti
Cat...mbaka
Bird...kasuni

OTHER USEFUL WORDS
slowly...mbola
Drive slowly...twaa mbola
Friend...munyanyae
Are their vacancies for tonight....vau ve uthei wa umunthi
How much do u charge....wienda mbesa siana
May i take a photo...nikune visa




 Magnificent  KICC  in Nairobi

7 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Kenya’s KICC
The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) was commissioned in 1975 and named after the founding father Mzee Jommo Kenyatta. It is a 28 story building located at the heart of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.
It was commissioned by Mzee Jommo Kenyatta in in 1967. The design was done by Kenyan architect David Mutiso, and Norwegian architect Karl Nostvick while construction was done in three phases by Boneh and Factah contractors.
KICC was made a state corporation under the Tourism Act 2011.Under this law, its mandate is to promote the country as the best destination for business travel and conference tourism. According to the KICC Chief Executive, the facility has had a massive impact on the economy of Nairobi and Kenya.
KICC is the 6th tallest building in Kenya, towering to a height of over 105 metres, just behind the Teleposta Towers, UAP Towers, Old Mutual Tower, Times Tower and the Britam Tower. Until the construction of Teleposta Towers, it was the tallest building in Kenya for a record 26 years.
Welcoming you to the magnificent building is the Jommo Kenyatta Statue, standing in a 75 square metre courtyard. The courtyard was constructed as a resting place for the delegates attending conferences. It is comprised of geyser fountains, gardens and pools.

Photo of KICC at night

KICC has a revolving restaurant which offers a panoramic view of the city. The 146- seater restaurant has a revolving mortar programmed to make approximately one revolution in 76 minutes.
The building’s light terra façade reflects traditional African architecture as does the use of simple solid shaped –cuboids that make up the plenary hall. The building consists of a cylinder composed of several cuboids and the amphitheater and helipad both resemble cones.

A Premier Conference facility

The premier convention facility has several well equipped conference and meeting rooms with the largest having a capacity of 4,000 guests. It is well equipped with Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment with a capability of up to seven languages.
According to the Chief Executive officer Nana Gecaga, increasing the convention’s capacity as well as upgrading the facilities will enhance delegate’s experience, making it a destination of choice on the continent.
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