1. During
the preparation phase, in the week before Kwanzaa, the greeting "Habari Gani"
is used with the response "Nzuri Kwanzaa, Nguzo Saba"
2. Some celebrants undergo a week of fasting before Kwanzaa to cleanse the
body, discipline the mind, and uplift the spirit.
3.Once Kwanzaa starts, the response to the greeting "Habari Gani" changes.
The response changes to the the principle which is being emphasized that
day. For example, "Umoja" the first day, "Kujichagulia" the second day, and
so on.
4. On the first day of Kwanzaa (December 26) the Mfume (leader or minister)
calls the family together. When everyone is present, the Mfume greets them;
Habari Gani, and the family responds Umoja. Thus the Kwanzaa celebration has
begun. The celebration is conducted in the following order, substituting
each principle for the response on its respective day.
# A prayer is offered by a member of the family (all standing).
# Harambee (Let's Pull Together) is a call for unity and collective work and
struggle of the family.
# Each member raises up the right arm with open hand and while pulling down,
closes the hand into a fist.
# Harmabee is done in sets of seven in honor and reinforcement of the Nguzo
Saba.
# The Kwanzaa Song can be used at this time.
# The Mfume briefly talks about the concept of Kwanzaa, using the theme or
focus of Kwanzaa as a sense of direction.
# The Tambiko (Libation) is performed by an elder. The elder should pour the
libation using juice or water from the Tambiko set up in honor of our
ancestors.
# Harambee Symbol.
# Greeting should be done by the family member (preferably a youth) assigned
the lighting of Mshumaa (candle)
# Lighting Ceremony is performed by the Youth. The Youth should light the
Mshumaa (candle) for the principle of the day (i.e. Umoja (Unity) on the
first day of Kwanzaa). After the lighting, the principle of the day should
be discussed by every member participating in the ceremony. The discussion
should focus on each member's understanding of the principle and their
commitment and responsibility to practice that principle for the betterment
of self, family and Black people..
# Harambee.
# A story, song or an object that is reflective of the principle for the day
(i.e. Umoja (Unity) Black Frying Pan) and a Scripture reading related to the
principle is essential in reinforcing the meaning of that principle.
# Share Zawadi (Gifts). In Kwanzaa gifts are played down and spiritual and
social rejuvenation is played up. Hand made gifts are strongly encouraged
over commercial purchases. Items related to the Black heritage or items that
have a special meaning that will help the person through the next year are
strongly recommended. The gifts should be reflective of a commitment to
education and the riches of our cultural heritage and a sign of the struggle
for liberation for Black people. The gifts can be fruits shared each night
by members. The gifts can be given to the children in one of two ways: One
gift can be given each day to reinforce the principle for that day, or on
December 31 st. during the Karamu (Feast), all gifts can be given.
5. Karamu (Feast) is held on the night of December 31 st. and includes food,
music, dance, etc.
6. The Kwanzaa Song can be repeated as often as is wished for elevation of
the spirits.
