Responses to Common Questions About Kwanzaa

     As we engage in analysis of  the impact of Kwanzaa on the African-American experience, a number of questions are raised. Newcomers and those of us who have been celebrating the holiday and embracing the Nguzo Saba for decades all have questions. The concerns differ in context and perspective depending upon the level of familiarity with the tradition. This article addresses some of the most common questions asked by neophytes.

     Is Kwanzaa an African holiday? While the ideas for Kwanzaa are based on traditional harvest festivals or celebrations held in many African countries, historically there is no specific holiday called Kwanzaa on the continent. The idea of a "first fruit" harvest for African-Americans has to do with the celebration of accomplishments and achievements of goals for the year, and spreading the seeds of aspirations that will be developed in the coming year.

     Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday? It is not based on any particular religion and is celebrated by people of various faiths. In the spirit of unity, the principles allow practioners to embrace each regardless of religious doctrine.

     Is Kwanzaa meant to replace Christmas? While many people embrace Kwanzaa and reject the materialism associated with Christmas, Kwanzaa is not meant to replace Christmas. Is is up to individuals and families to determine if one or both holidays fulfills their needs.

     What language is used for the principles and symbolf of Kwanzaa? Kiswahili, spoken in East and Central Africa, is the language associated with Kwanzaa. African-Americans who have embraced "the culture" and made a decision to lead African-centered lives, have incorporated study of African languages. Some people have traced their roots to a particular part of Africa and chosen the language and culture of those areas, but many of us have simply chosen the languages and cultures that we want to learn. Among the most popular languages are Woloof (West Africa), Yoruba (Nigeria), and Kiswahili, and Nedew Neter, also known as Hieroglyphics (ancient Kemet/Egypt). 

     Why do we need such a tradition? Do we have the right to establish a holiday? Those two questions have to do with the political, social and spiritual ramifications of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is needed because it serves as a link to our roots and heritage, while providing a foundation for strengthening our families, institutions, communities and ourselves as individuals and as a nation of people. All people have a need and a right to strive for continued growth and progress through the creation of culture. As an African people, it is important for us to reach back and embrace our ancestry; but as a people who have been forged by both our African roots and our experiences in America, we have developed a culture that is an expression of both, out of which Kwanzaa has been shaped.

Celebrating Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba

       Photograph by Titilayo Akanke

Joyous Kwanzaa

     Having celebrated Kwanzaa for more than 25 years, I questioned whether there was a need to provided instructional and historical content in the blog. I had intended to focus on the questions raised in recent years about the relevancy of the tradition, and incorporating the Nguzo Saba into our daily lives. However, recently on the radio, the DJ and his co-host discussed Kwanzaa briefly, but did not know the principles or days of Kwanzaa. I realized there is still a need to start with the basics, then address some of the questions and issues. There are a number of commonly asked questions. Is Kwanzaa an African holiday? Is is religious? Is it meant to replace Christmas? What language is used for the principles and symbols? Why do we need such a tradition? Do we have the right to establish a holiday? Has the holiday become commercial? What is the relevancy of Kwanzaa beyond he seven day celebration?How do we incorporate the Nguzo Saba into our daily lives? Over the next several days, these ideas will be addressed.

History of Kwanzaa

     Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits," is an African-American holiday founded in the 1960s by Maulana Karenga. Based on festivals celebrating the harvest and other important occasions, Kwanzaa provides a vehicle for African-Americans  to reconnect with traditional values and culture in a manner that meets our needs here in North America. The Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, each mark a day in the seven day celebration that take place from December 26 to January 1. The principles also serve as a foundation for throughout the remainder of the year for strengthening our families, and building our communities, institutions and nation. 

The Nguzo Saba - Seven Principles

Umoja - Unity

     To establish harmony in our families, communities, institutions, nation, and among our people.

Kujichagulia - Self-Determination

     To define, name, speak and provide for ourselves rather than having others do these things for us.

Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility

     Develop and maintain our communities together, and solve our problems together.

Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics

     Build and maintain businesses collectively and profit from them together.

Nia - Purpose

     Work together collectively to build communities, and work together to resore our people to our traditional greatness.

Kuumba - Creativity

      Put forth our greatest effort to leave our communities more beautiful and valuable than when we inherited them.

Imani - Faith

     Believe in ourselves, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle to restore our culture, heritage, traditions, and greatness, and build our communities, institutions, and nation.

The Symbols of Kwanzaa

Kinara (Candle Holder)

     The Kinara is a candle holder which holds the seven candles, and represents social structure.

Mishumaa (Seven Candles)

     There are three red candles (left side of Kinara), one black candle (center) and three green candles. Each candle stands for one of the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba). The color red denotes the blood of our ancestors that has been shed, black is symbolic of Black people, and green represents land.

Mkeka (Straw Mat)

     The straw mat is placed under the kinara and represents the foundation for community, institution, and nation building.

Mahindi (Corn)

     An ear of corn represents each child in the family, and there is one for a potential child. The corn also represents our link to the future through our children who will carry on our legacy and continue to spread the seeds of each family.

Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup)

     The unity cup symbolizes the goal of togetherness or unity. Each person drinks from the Unity Cup at the designated time during the celebration. In most instances,  liquid (water or fruit juice) from the Unity Cup will be poured into smaller cups held by individuals, and they will drink simultaneously.

Zawadi (Gifts)

     Gifts are given to children on the last day of Kwanzaa (Imani), and should be something that contribute to their development. 

Celebrating Kwanzaa

     Celebrations are held in the home with family and friends, or in larger community gatherings. Set up the Kwanzaa table by first covering it with a piece of African cloth, or red, black or green cloth. Place the straw mat in center, the kinara on the mat, and the candles in the candle holder. The three red candles go on the left, the black one in the center, and the green ones on the right. Place the fruit in a basket or decorative bowl, and place it along with the corn (Mahindi), Unity Cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja),  and gifts (Zawadi) on the table. Add African artifacts, plants and culturally relevant books for decoration, as desired.

     Each celebration begins with the pouring of libations in honor and recognition of our ancestors. An elder or esteemed member of the family or community incrementally pours water into a plant (representing the earth into which ancestors are interned) while speaking words in tribute to ancestors. (When libations are done outside, the liquid is poured on the ground.) The names of renowned and family ancestors are called by the facilitator and participants. A candle is lit for the day's principle. As the days progress, the candles for the previous days are lit along with a candle for the current day. Traditionally, the candle lighting begins with a red candle, and the black one is lit last on the day of Kwanzaa, which is Imani. However, in some areas of the country, participants begin the candle lighting ceremony with the black candle. After the candle lighting, the family or group discusses the principle for the day.

     Participates may engage in activities or crafts relevant to the day's principle. When children are involved, make sure to include age appropriate activities that they will find interesting. Poetry,  dramatic readings, spoken word performances, speakers on topics relevant to the principle, music, and African drum and dance are examples of the kinds of activities provided during Kwanzaa gatherings and celebrations. Participants then shares a meal. On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, Kuumba (Creativity) there is a potluck feast to which everyone contributes. Particular attention is paid to creating delicious, nutritious dishes that are in keeping with promoting good health and nourishing the body. More attention is also given showcasing the creative talents of artists in celebration of Kuumba. Each evening ends with a unity circle in which brief closing words are offered by those who chose to speak. Participants symbolically drink from the Unity Cup. Usually, liquid is poured from the Unity Cup, into individual smaller cups held by each participant, and at the designated moment, everyone drinks simultaneously from their cup. Afterwards, while still in the circle, everyone, in  unison, reaches toward the ceiling and pulls down seven times while saying "harambee" (pull together). This concludes the celebration.

Photograph by Titilayo Akanke

May your holidays and new year be filled with peace, joy and prosperity.