Kwanzaa~First Fruits of the Harvest
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. It is celebrated between December 26th-January 1st. It is neither religious nor political, but time for African Americans to reaffirm their beliefs, heritage, and customs and unite together. It’s in no way a substitute for Christmas! “First Fruits of the Harvest” is the literal translation of Kwanzaa, from the African language Kiswahili.
Kwanzaa is based on 7 guiding principles, one for each day of observance.
- Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, “I am We,” or “I am because We are.”
- Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
- Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
- Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
- Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
- Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
- Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
To celebrate Kwanzaa there are some supplies you need. So start early and gather these things!
- A Kinara ~candle holder that holds 7 candles (bought or handmade)
- Mkeka ~placemat preferably made of straw
- Mazao ~crops, fruits & vegetables
- Vibunzi/Muhindi ~ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household
- Kikombe cha umoja ~communal unity cup
- Mishumaa saba ~seven candles, one black, three red, and three green
- Zawadi ~gifts that are enriching
When decorating for Kwanzaa the Kinara is the main focus of the celebration. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red, and green, so keep that in mind when choosing table linens, streamers, balloons, table centerpieces, etc. African prints and sculptures are also great additions to the decor.
The Karum is the Kwanzaa feast held on December 31st, usually earlier than New Year’s Eve celebrations. This is the culmination of the entire observance and brings African Americans closer to their roots. It is normally held as a community activity, at churches or community centers, though it can also be held in a home setting. The environment should be decked out in the Kwanzaa colors, with a large centerpiece including the Kinara, in the middle of the area. The Mkeka should be set in the center of the floor, with bountiful food creatively set on top of it, for everyone. There is usually a ceremony before the feast, which includes a welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommittment, and rejoicing, followed by a farewell and call for peace and unity! The ceremony is filled with emotion, music, dancing, and singing. It is a joyous celebration!
Though it is a fairly new holiday, established in 1966, by Ron Karragna, Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions of African Americans around the world. It is a beautiful, sincere observance of a person’s heritage, ideals, and community. It is a wonderful way to start off the new year!
Rock'n'Nicco @ December 1, 2007