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| KWANZAA IS A CULTURAL FESTIVAL,
DURING WHICH AFRICAN AMERICANS REFLECT ON THEIR RICH HERITAGE AS THE PRODUCTS
OF TWO WORLDS. BEGUN BY DR. MAULANA RON KARENGA ON DECEMBER 26, 1966,
THE HOLIDAY LASTS FOR SEVEN DAYS.
DR. KARENGA BELIEVED THAT A SPECIAL HOLIDAY WOULD HELP AFRICAN AMERICANS MEET THEIR GOALS OF BUILDING STRONG FAMILIES, LEARNING ABOUT THEIR HERITAGE AND CREATING A SENSE OF UNITY. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH INTO THE FESTIVITIES OF OTHER AFRICAN GROUPS, DR. KARENGA DECIDED THAT THE NEW HOLIDAY SHOUD BE A "HARVEST" OR "FIRST FRUITS" CELEBRATION. KWANZAA IS A KISWAHILI WORD MEANING "FIRST FRUITS OF THE HARVEST."  |
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| WHY
DO WE CELEBRATE KWANZAA?
HOW DO WE CELEBRATE KWANZAA? WHY DO CHILDREN RECEIVE GIFTS?? |
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| KWANZAA IS CELEBRATED TO ALLOW AFRICAN
AMERICANS TO "TOUCH BASE" WITH THEIR ROOTS, THEIR HERITAGE, AND THEIR FUTURES.
Kwanzaa is based on seven principles
which are called Nguzo Saba. The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia
(Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
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| In preparation for the celebration,
a straw place mat (Mkeka) is placed on the
table,along with a seven-candle candle holder (Kinara) with seven candles,
black, red and green. The black candle represents
the African-American people, the red is for their struggles, and the green
represents their hopes for the future.
Other items placed on the table are a variety of fruit (Mazao), ears of corn (Vibunzi) representing the number of children in the family, gifts (Zawadi), and a communal unity cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja) for pouring and sharing liquid refreshment. Each day of Kwanzaa, usually before the evening meal, family and friends gather around the table and a candle is lit, beginning with the black. After that candles are lit alternately from left to right. While the candle is being lit, a principle is recited; then each person present takes a turn to speak about the importance that principle has to him- or herself. Next the ceremony focuses on remembering those who have died. A selected person pours water or juice from the unity cu p into a bowl. That person then drinks from the cup and raises it high saying "Harambee" which means "Lets all pull together." All repeat "Harambee!"seven times, and each person drinks from the cup. Then names of African-American leaders and heroes are called out, and everyone reflects upon the great things these people did. The ceremony is followed by a meal, and then singing and listening to African music. |
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| Children are given gifts on Kwanzaa
in order for the parents (the stalks) to reward their offspring (the fruit)
for the good things they have accomplished during the year, and to allow
the parents to share the fruits of their labour with their children, the
future stalks of the family. Parents must commit their children to good
thoughts, good acts, good grades etc. for the coming year. Goodness
is beauty and beauty is that which promises happiness to the family and
the community.
On December 26 we will light the Kinara here for the next seven nights. If you would like to participate you will receive a gif(t) each night, as a souvenir of your participation. |
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