Definition of calabash

The word "calabash" has its roots in several African languages, including Kikongo, Kongo, and Mbundu. The Kikongo word for gourd is "kalaba," which means "canoe" because of the rounded, boat-like shape of gourds when they are carved. The Kongo word "ndzungu" also refers to gourds and means "container," due to their versatility as vessels. The Mbundu word "kalamba" means "large fruit" or "sour fruit," as some types of gourds can be sour when they are unripe. The Portuguese, who traded with Africa in the 15th century, were introduced to these languages and their associated terms. They adapted the Kikongo word "kalaba" and began using "calabash" to describe the large, hollow gourds that were being traded. The term "calabash" gained popularity in English during the colonial era in Africa and the Caribbean, as European settlers began using these gourds as containers for carrying and storing goods. Today, the term has come to encompass a variety of natural or hand-carved containers made from materials such as wood, clay, or metal, but the root meaning of the word remains rooted in the African continent.