mema wo faahodie da pa
mema wo faahodie da pa is the Twi way to say happy independence day.
This phrase is used specifically to celebrate the anniversary of a nation's independence, such as Ghana's Independence Day.
Meaning: good wishes at a country's independence day (phrase)
Did you know?
- The term faahodie is often associated with the visual symbol of the 'Sankofa' bird in Adinkra art, which suggests that to truly enjoy 'freedom', one must look back at their history.
- In Twi, the concept of 'giving' a greeting, as seen in mema, reflects a cultural view of words as tangible gifts offered from one person to another.
- The phrase is often accompanied by a handshake where the right hand is used, as using the left hand to deliver this greeting would be considered culturally offensive.
Example conversation
Kofi and Akua meet on the street during the national holiday.
- KofiAkua, mema wo faahodie da pa!Akua, happy independence day!
- AkuaKofi, meda wo ase paa!Kofi, thank you very much!
- KofiYɛbɛkɔ dwoa kwan no ano?Shall we go to the parade?
- AkuaAane, mɛkɔ yɛn ho!Yes, let's go!
