About this episode
✨ In This Episode Join us as we travel to meet Ms. Hana Baba to celebrate the beautiful lands of Sudan—home to deserts, jungles, pyramids, and a rich diversity of cultures. Ms Hana introduces us to her homeland with a warm greeting in Sudanese Arabic (“Zeyacomb!”), a fun language lesson, and fascinating insights into geography and traditions. Then we dive into weddings: the month‑long pampering, hand‑made perfumes with natural spices and ingredients, the festive candy‑showering wedding bus with songs, the joyful “Zagaroota”, and the sweet Jirtig ceremony where candy is exchanged seven times to symbolize a sweet week. We learn how these traditions trace back over 2,000 years to ancient Nubian kingdoms, and how even amid conflict, Sudanese communities find strength in celebration and community. This episode reminds us that sharing traditions connects us, fosters empathy, and shows that joy can endure even in hard times. As Ms Hana says, “learning about a person’s culture… helps us care more about each other—and when we care more, it’s a better world.” 🌟 About the Podcast – Folktales from Sudan Folktales from Sudan brings ancient Sudanese Arabic folktales to life for kids and families, preserving vibrant storytelling traditions while countering narratives of conflict You can explore episodes and support the show at FolktalesFrom Sudan.org . Hana Baba shares uplifting tales, cultural insights, and even language lessons—she’s also active on Instagram as @hanaradio , where she posts short storytelling clips and behind-the-scenes! 💡 Why It Matters💖 Support Culture Kids Productions Culture Kids Productions is a 100% volunteer-run, grassroots nonprofit on a mission to spark curiosity and build empathy through global stories. If you’d like to help keep the Culture Train rolling, please visit culturekidsproductions.org/support to donate—no amount is too small. Your contribution helps us share more authentic voices, create academic materials, and even imagine a future Culture Kids TV series! Even if you can't donate today, you can still support us by leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, subscribing, and sharing your favorite episodes with family, friends, and teachers. Instagram : @culturekidsproductions 🌍 Please Help Sudanese Families Now Here are organizations offering critical support to families in Sudan: Save the Children – Health, nutrition, water, hygiene, child protection & education Donate here: savethechildren.org/sudan UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) – Shelter, water, food & protection for displaced families Support here: unhcr.org/us/sudan-emergency Sudanese Red Crescent Society – Volunteer-driven emergency aid, healthcare & water Learn more via IFRC: ifrc.org/sudan time.com Action Against Hunger – Nutrition support, food access & clean water programs (Search “Action Against Hunger Sudan” to find their official site) Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) – Local volunteer networks delivering aid in Sudan (Search “Emergency Response Rooms Sudan” to find contact and donate links) unhcr.org Sudan Relief Fund – Food, water, medical care & shelter since 1998 Visit: sudanreliefund.com