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KwanzaaDr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa during the black freedom movement in the 60’s as a holiday for the world’s African American and Pan-African community to celebrate family, community and culture. The word Kwanzaa comes from the phrase, matunda ya kwanza which means first-fruits in Swahili. There are seven principals of Kwanzaa known as the NGUZO SABA: Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith. The last day of Kwanzaa coincides with the first day of the New Year. For Africans celebrating Kwanzaa, this day is to be spent in meditation. Time should be spent on self- assessment and plans for the future. The day ends in a feast. The foods prepared during the Kwanzaa feast tend to be more regional than traditional but are considered African inspired cuisine. The foods may include black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, okra, corn bread and other dishes of fruits and vegetables which emphasize the first harvest. There are nine symbols used to represent values and concepts of Kwanzaa. They are the crops, the mat, the candleholder or kinara, the corn, the candles, the unity cup, the gifts, the flags, and the poster. The later two are usually considered to be supplemental symbols. Children play an important role in Kwanzaa festivities. They light the candles and recite the principals. In so doing, the central idea of Kwanzaa, that of cultural preservation and promotion, is easily transferred to the next generation. Gifts are given during Kwanzaa, primarily to children. The gifts should include a book to symbolize the importance of learning and a heritage symbol to foster a connection to mother Africa. Decorations for Kwanzaa include the Kinara (candle holder) and use of the colors red, black and green. In fact, the Kinara contains 3 red, 1 black, and 3 green candles. Traditional African baskets, cloth patterns, harvest symbols, and art are used for decorating. The traditional Kente cloth from Ghana can be used to make appropriate attire for the Kwanzaa celebration as it was created in Africa for use at ceremonial events or special occasions. |
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