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Having celebrated Kwanzaa for more than 25 years, I questioned whether there was a need to provided instructional and historical content in the blog.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.
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