Swahili readings / Beginner 2 / Holidays & Traditions

A Joyful Wedding Ceremony

Sherehe ya Harusi

Familia na marafiki wanakusanyika kwa sherehe ya harusi ya Amina na Juma, siku ya jua na upepo mdogo. Kila mtu anavaa mavazi mazuri; wanawake wanavaa vitenge vyenye rangi, wanaume wanavaa suti safi. Kabla ya ibada, mke mtarajiwa anakaa na wazazi wake, wanapeana maneno ya upendo na ushauri. Mapambo ya maua yanapamba lango na meza, harufu tamu inaenea uwanjani. Muziki wa taratibu unapigwa, watoto wanacheza kwa furaha karibu na bustani. Mchungaji anawaongoza wawili hawa, anazungumza kwa sauti tulivu kuhusu ndoa, heshima, na kushirikiana. Wakati wa viapo, Amina na Juma wanasema maneno rahisi lakini ya kweli, wanashikamana mikono na kuahidi kusimama pamoja katika raha na changamoto. Baada ya pete kuvishwa, wageni wanapiga makofi na kutabasamu. Baada ya ibada, chakula kitamu kinatolewa; kuna wali, samaki, nyama choma, na matunda mengi. Wazee wanatoa baraka, vijana wanaimba na kucheza ngoma. Mpiga picha anawaomba wanandoa wasimame karibu na keki kubwa, kisha wanakata kipande na kulishana kwa upole. Jioni inapoingia, taa ndogo zinawaka, hewa inakuwa baridi, na sherehe inaendelea kwa nyimbo, vicheko, na salamu za heri kwa maisha mapya ya familia yao. Wote wanaondoka wakiwa na kumbukumbu nzuri na matumaini mapya.

English Translation

Family and friends gather for the wedding of Amina and Juma, on a sunny day with a gentle breeze. Everyone wears nice clothes; women wear colorful kitenge fabrics, men wear clean suits. Before the ceremony, the bride-to-be sits with her parents, they share words of love and advice. Flower decorations cover the gate and tables, a sweet scent spreads in the courtyard. Soft music is played, children dance with joy near the garden. The pastor guides the two, he speaks calmly about marriage, respect, and sharing. During the vows, Amina and Juma say simple but true words, they hold hands and promise to stand together in joy and in challenges. After the rings are put on, guests clap and smile. After the service, delicious food is served; there is rice, fish, roast meat, and many fruits. Elders give blessings, youths sing and dance to drums. The photographer asks the couple to stand near a big cake, then they cut a piece and feed each other gently. As evening arrives, small lights shine, the air becomes cool, and the celebration continues with songs, laughter, and good wishes for the new life of their family. All leave with good memories and new hope.