12/27/2023
Happy Kwanzaa! (December 26 - January 1) Each year I share this on FB. Celebration, Gathering, Reverence, Commemoration and Recommitment are significant values that are central to this holiday ritual. Yesterday’s principle was: UMOJA (Unity), and today’s: KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination)
***FAMILY IS WHAT WE CHOOSE TO MAKE IT.***
Kwanzaa is comprised of seven universal principles (nguzo saba) which are described using the Kiswahili words you see below and serve as a reminder for me as I share the celebration with you.
Day 1-UNITY (Umoja)
Day 2-SELF-DETERMINATION (Kujichagulia)
Day 3-WORKING TOGETHER (Ujima)
Day 4-SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER (Ujamma)
Day 5-PURPOSE (Nia)
Day 6-CREATIVITY (Kuumba)
Day 7-FAITH IN OURSELVES AND THE WORLD (Imani)
Kwanzaa is a celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January, that is steeped in rich tradition. Dr. Maulana Karenga, an American educator and activist, founded Kwanzaa in 1966 as a ritual to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. The creation of Kwanzaa was also a response to the commercialism of Christmas. Dr. Karenga derived the word "kwanzaa" from the KiSwahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits". KiSwahili is the common language of the Great Lakes region of East Africa, and one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.
Elements of Kwanzaa include:
- CANDLE HOLDER (kinara), which reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries.
- SEVEN CANDLES (mishumaa saba) which remind participants of the Kwanzaa principles and the colours in flags of African liberation movements (Candle colours: 3 red, 1 black & 3 green).
- SYMBOLS:
- Crops (mzao) which represents the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor.
- Mat (mkeka) which lays the foundation for self- actualization.
- Corn/maize (muhindi) which signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation.
- Gifts (Zawadi) which represent commitments of the parents for the children.
- Unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) which is used to pour libations to the ancestors.
You can learn more from Dr. Karenga's book - Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture (https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/books-and-products.html).
