mkesha
MKEH-shah
How to say it
SwahilimkeshaMKEH-shah
Englishvigil, all night watch; eve
Frenchveillée; veille (de fête)
Meaning
A night spent awake, often in prayer or celebration, as before Christmas, Easter or the New Year; also the eve of such a day.
Good to know
Plural mikesha. From kukesha, to stay up all night. Common in mkesha wa Krismasi, Christmas Eve, and mkesha wa mwaka mpya, New Year’s Eve.
Examples
- Waumini walikusanyika kanisani kwa mkesha wa Pasaka.The faithful gathered in church for the Easter vigil.
- Tulikaa pamoja na familia katika mkesha wa mwaka mpya.We sat together with the family on New Year’s Eve.
- Mkesha wa maombi ulimalizika alfajiri.The prayer vigil ended at dawn.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.