Entity: KUMBAYA
Kumbaya refers to moments of harmony and unity, often used disparagingly to describe unrealistic attitudes of peace and cooperation.
KUMBAYA
Etymology
"Kum ba yah" ("Come by here") is an African-American spiritual of disputed origin, known to have been sung in the Gullah culture of the islands off South Carolina and Georgia, with ties to enslaved Central Africans.
Definition
Kumbaya is characterized by or exhibiting a belief in harmony between people and in their essential goodness.
Historical Context
The term is rooted in an American spiritual and folk song of the same name. It has evolved to refer to moments of harmony and unity, often used disparagingly to describe unrealistic attitudes of peace and cooperation.
Cultural Significance
'Kumbaya' has become a symbol for idealistic or naive views on unity and cooperation, often used in a mocking or critical manner.
Related Concepts
- African-American spirituals
- Unity
- Harmony
See Also
Characterized by or exhibiting a belief in harmony between people and in their essential goodness.