KWANZAA Is
the first non-heroic African American holiday ever to come Into existence.
Blacks, from every phase of life in the United States, have been practicing
this holiday since 1965. This warm, social, holiday where people gather to
reinforce each other's spirit and friendship was founded by Professor
Maulana Karenga.
Celebration of this holiday lasts for seven days from December 26 to January
1. Gifts aren't mandatory when celebrating KWANZAA. When they are given,
they are given mainly to children on the basis of merit.
The name KWANZAA is derived from the Swahili word. "Kwanza" which means
first and comes from the saying mantunda yo kwanza "first fruits." The extra
"a" represents the African-American values. KWANZAA is a holiday where
Blacks acknowledge their African roots while at the same time remind
themselves of their goals as a people.
It is a holiday based on the African celebration of the "first fruits
harvest" which comes at the end of their year, and KWANZAA lasts seven days
to promote the seven basic principles honored during this holiday.
According to KWANZAA: Origin, Concepts. Practice by Ron Karenga. the seven
principles are: (1) UMOJA (Unity). a commitment to the practice of
togetherness both within the family and in our communities; (2) KUJICHAGULIA
(Self Determination) is the interest of developing and patterning our lives
and images after ourselves instead of having it done for us, (3) UJIMA
(Collective Work and Responsibility) which means working together on matters
of common Interest; (4) UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics) which is the habit of
sharing our wealth and resources; (5) NIA (Purpose) building and developing
our national community: (6) KUUMBA (Creativity) to inspire ourselves to keep
developing new ways of expressing our music and art as well as being
creative In our work and industrial pursuits; (7) IMANI (Faith) believing in
ourselves as a people.
KWANZAA also has symbols which are mazao (crops). mkeka (mat). kinara (the
candle holder), vibunzi (ears of corn), zawadi (gifts). kikombe cha umola
(the unity cup) and mishumaa saba (the seven candles). Seven candles are
placed in the candleholder, representing the principles. This is usually
placed on the mat with the corn, gifts and unity cup around it.
At KWANZAA gatherings people usually bring fruit or food and share a meal
and a smile. The unity cup is passed and people say positive things about
Blacks and our future. Then the candles are lit, and something is said about
each principle. After that people dance or talk, and just have a good time.
There's a lot more to this holiday than superficial gift giving. It's a time
to lift each other up and give thanks for being of a unique culture with a
value all its own.
The harvest of the first fruits
A ritual based on age-old African celebrations, which traditionally took
place near the end and beginning of each year. People gathered together to
celebrate the harvest and rejoice in their communities' collective efforts.
Only nationally, non-heroic, African-American holiday born in the United
States.
Kwanzaa symbols and much of its terminology have their roots in Africa;
however, Kwanzaa was originally designed for African-Americans and remains a
distinctly African-American ritual.
Dr. Maulana Karenga formulated the Kwanzaa celebration in 1965.
Kwanzaa begins December 26 (day after Christmas) and continues for seven
days up to January 1st. Kwanzaa helps African-Americans develop greater
sense of unity, identity and purpose.
Kwanzaa is much more than a yearly ritual. It is in fact, a way of life, a
workable formula for social, cultural and economic progress.
Kwanzaa is a time of rejoicing, reflection and commitment - shared by family
and community.
It is not a religious celebration nor is it a substitute for Christmas. The
fact that it begins the day after Christmas was an effort to avoid the
excessive commercialization of the season.
Gift-giving is not an Important aspect of Kwanzaa, although gifts can be
exchanged. Gifts are given on the basis of merit, not merely for the sake of
giving.
