Meaning of khukhwekhebukha a common Luhya word. Its synonyms and variations in different Luhya dialects, plus stories to broaden your cultural understanding.
Khukhwekhebukha
Type: Verb
Singular:
Origin: Lubukusu dialect of Luhya language.
Variations in Luhya dialects:
Similar sounding Bantu words:
Definition
- Khukhwekhebukha refers to the act of looking behind when walking, as if you are more interested in your behinds than where you are headed. In Bukusu culture, this term is used to refer to an initiate who wrongly looks back, khukhwekhebukha, when coming from the river during khuchukhila. It also used when an initiate does the same when coming from the mud smearing rite in traditional Bukusu circumcision that takes place at a spot referred to as sitabicha. In both cases, it is taken as a sign of cowardice.
- Khukhwekhebukha is also a polite term used by the Bukusu to refer to menstruation. In Lubukusu, this term is used when you want to mention menses in a setting with people of diverse ages and genders. In this case, khukhwekhebukha is culturally considered polite enough to all present. It also is comfortable to the speaker, not embarrassing at all as the speaker comes across as a respectful person.
Synonyms
- Kucha mumwesi (Mensturation)
Articles and stories related to meaning of khukhwekhebukha that will deepen your cultural understanding and use of word in Luhya culture
- Just before circumcision, as a sign of the man he will become, the initiate puts an act of courage to prove to the clan he’s ready for the cut. So, khuchukhila he must. Read more: Everything khuchukhila, the penultimate event ushering in the knife during Bukusu traditional cut.
About the Bukusu
Bukusu language or Lubukusu is the tongue of Babukusu, the largest of the 18 houses of mulembe. Learn how to speak Bukusu language through our free lessons in Bukusu language; our stories on Bukusu culture that harness the richness of Lubukusu in their narrative; our continuous search for the meaning of different Bukusu proverbs and sayings; and if your Lubukusu is already good enough, sharpen and challenge yourself with our new blog sibukusu that covers everything Bukusu in the purest Lubukusu.
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