KWANZAA is a spiritual remembrance of the past and a festive celebration of the present and future.It’s festive, non-religious celebration, founded in 1966 by
Dr. Maulana Karenga, is a time during which African-Americans celebrate and reflect upon their rich heritage. Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days (till January 1st), each day focuses on one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Some African-Americans choose Kwanzaa as a way to recognize & connect with their African roots & culture. Some choose to celebrate Kwanzaa because they feel Christmas is a “white man’s holiday”. Others will choose to celebrate BOTH. You will even find those within the community that reject Kwanzaa altogether.
Kwanzaa is more symbolic than religious. Below are terms used in Kwanzaa celebrations:
KWANZAA
From the Kiswahili phrase "MATUNDA YA KWANZA" which means "first fruits”.
MKEKA
A traditional straw mat on which all other items are placed.
KINARA
A candle holder which holds seven candles.
MSHUMAA
The seven candles.
MUHINDI
Ear of corn.
KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA
Unity Cup.
ZAWADI
Gifts.
KARAMU
Held on December 31st this feast symbolizes the festive celebration of family and community togetherness. Aside from food & drink, KARAMU includes music, dance, conversation, laughter, and ceremony.
On each of the Seven Days of KWANZAA a guiding principle is discussed and focused on. Gifts may be given during the daily ceremony or during the KARAMU on December 31st. Each night, the principles are celebrated through storytelling, ceremony, discussion, song, (prayer), libation, greeting, and other ways culturally specific to the community (dance, etc.). Those guidelines are outlined below:
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
KUJICHAGULIA (SELF DETERMINATION) (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY) (oo-JEE-mah)
To build and maintain our community together and to make our brothers' and sisters'problems our problems and to solve them together.
UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) (oo-JAH-mah)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit together from them.
NIA (PURPOSE) (nee-AH)
To make as our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) (koo-OOM-bah)
To do always as much as we can, in the way that we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.
IMANI (FAITH) (ee-MAH-nee)
To believe with all our hearts in our parents, our teachers, our leaders, our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
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