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TeresahRN
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Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, is an African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation, is one of the fastest-growing holidays in the history of the world. It took root 30 years ago, when graduate student Maulana Karenga, disturbed by the 1965 riots in Los Angeles' Watts area, decided that African-Americans needed an annual event to celebrate their differences rather than the melting pot.
Not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is, rather, a seven-day celebration that begins on Dec. 26 and continues through Jan. 1.
Kwanzaa is a spiritual, festive and joyous celebration of the oneness and goodness of life, which claims no ties with any religion. It has definite principles, practices and symbols which are geared to the social and spiritual needs of African-Americans. The reinforcing gestures are designed to strengthen our collective self-concept as a people, honor our past, critically evaluate our present and commit ourselves to a fuller, more productive future.
Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than15 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, it is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the 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.
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TeresahRN
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Facts of Kwanzaa
The African American festival, Kwanzaa, is not significant and notable for its religious value. It’s rather a harvest occasion which takes place in entire Africa during 26th December to 1st January. It has a 1000 years long history. The Karamu or feast, one of the most interesting and striking cultures of Kwanzaa, is observed on 31st December.
This is the carnival which dedicatedly focuses on promoting the African American cultures and traditions. And the celebration of Kwanzaa started and developed in the year 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase "Matunda Ya Kwanza". The meaning of which is "First fruits of the harvest". This was a period of abrupt and hasty social changes. At this important juncture Karanga aspired to celebrate it in a way by which the African American cultures and mores are honored and respected throughout the African region. The festival also inspired every African American who worked or are working for progress.
The fascinating cultural carnival throws lights on seven foremost ideologies and doctrines namely Unity, Self Determination, Collective work and Responsibility, Cooperative economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Each and every dogma signifies values and perceptions which are related to the African culture in some way or the other. These principles contribute to the community building and reinforcement.
Offering gifts to family members, especially to the children, is an integral part of the tradition and culture of this impressive fiesta. Heritage symbol and books are the gift items included in the list of bequests. Children discover and learn about the values and customs of Africa by having the books as gifts. On the other hand the heritage symbol confirms and strengthens the African loyalty and obligations to the ancient conventions and history.
The popularly known Kwanzaa colors like red, black and green are used to adorn surrounds during Kwanzaa. Traditional African items like African baskets, cloth patterns, harvest symbols and art objects are used to embellish the backdrop during Kwanzaa. Candles of dissimilar colors are lighted in Kinara. Three red colors candles at the left hand side of the black candle represent the "struggles" where as the three green candles at the right hand side of the black candle represent "hope and future". The black candle located right at the middle stands for "the people".
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TeresahRN
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Kwanzaa Symbols
Here we have listed all the different symbols, and their significance associated with Kwanzaa. Hope it will be useful to you
1. TABLE CLOTH/ THE BLACK NATIONAL FLAG (BENDERA).
2. MKEKA - Straw Mat/ Symbolizes our African traditions and history.
3. KINARA - Candle Holder (for seven candles)/Symbolizes the continent of Africa, our place of origin and roots. When putting the candles in the Kinara, the 3 red candles are placed on the left side. The 3 green candles are placed on the right. The single black candle is placed in the center and is the candle which will be lit first. On each day of Kwanzaa a new candle will be lit as a symbol of the Kwanzaa Nguzo or principle of that day. The candles will be lit in alternating colors. First the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red candle, then the farthest right green candle, then the next red, then next green, then the last red, and then the final green.
4. MISHUMAA SABA - Seven Candles (1 BLACK, 3 RED, 3 GREEN)/Symbolize the seven principles of Kwanza.
5. MAZAO - Crops/ Symbolize the historical roots of Kwanzaa as a harvest-type/first fruits celebration.
6. MUHUNDI OR VIBUNZI - Ears of corn (at least one)/Symbolize the offspring the children.
7. KIKOMBI CHA UMOJA - Unity Cup/Symbolizes the First Principle of Kwanzaa and is used for pouring libation.
8. NGUZO SABA POSTER - The Seven Principles Poster/Symbolize the key role they play in kwanza.
9. ZAWADI - Gifts (African history-cultural books and/or heritage symbols) Symbolize the key role of education and culture in Kwanzaa.
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TeresahRN
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Celebration of Kwanzaa
The seven days long festivity of Kwanza is related to the joyous and exciting celebrations of African American cultures and values. The prime African American carnival is a significant and charming occasion for to its vibrant celebrations and mass gatherings. 26th December marks the onset of the fiesta with a huge celebration and it continues till 1st January when Kwanzaa ends with the greeting "Harambee!”. Karamu or the feast which is an integral and essential part of Kwanzaa is celebrated on 31st December with interesting and striking African American rituals.
The relatively small festival, Kwanzaa, started from 1960s but nowadays more than 18 million Americans participate in the mind blowing Kwanzaa celebrations. The culturally significant and momentous carnival of Kwanzaa is based on seven notable principles and ideologies namely Unity, Self Determination, Collective work and Responsibility, Cooperative economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. To celebrate and focus on each of these doctrines seven candles are lighted during the seven evenings of Kwanzaa. Each lighted candle on each day elaborates and exemplifies one of seven above mentioned Kwanzaa principles. These candles have the traditional Kwanzaa colors like Black, red and green. Three red and three green candles are placed at the left hand side and right hand side of the black one respectively. All of these candles of course are placed on a candleholder which is popularly known as Kinara according to the African American conventions. This is a unique and remarkable part of the Kwanzaa celebrations.
The impressive celebration continues with offering gifts and greetings. Children of a finicky family relish these days with books and traditional symbols which they get as gifts from the grown up members of their family. The sole purpose of giving books to the children is to help them learn the traditional customs and histories of African Americans. Homes are well decorated with traditional African American articles and pieces like African baskets, cloth patterns, harvest symbols and art objects.
Kwanzaa celebrations end on 1st January every year and every African American waits for another year to come.
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TeresahRN
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Seven days of Kwanzaa
On this fabulous African American festivity, celebrate all seven days a bit differently. To start the joyful occasion make your homes beautiful by placing the Kwanzaa alter or table at a suitable place. Adorn the rooms of your homes with hanging pictures, colorful posters and banners. Bedeck homes with fine looking African sculptures to match the colorful theme of Kwanzaa. Handful of Kwanzaa crafts and other decorations should be created according to your own tastes and preferences.
All the seven days of Kwanzaa bring new meaning and principles of the Nguzo Saba. A new candle is lighted each day to represent one of these doctrines of Kwanzaa.
Even though there is no specific rule about lighting the candle but most of the families traditionally pass the responsibility of lighting the candle to the youngest member of that particular family. Nevertheless, some families think it a bit differently. Some families pay the tribute to the eldest family member by giving him or her honor of lighting the candle.
The First Day of Kwanzaa (December 26)
Black candle, placed right in the middle of red and green candles in Kinara, is lit on the very first day of the festival. It marks the commencement of the festive season. The person who takes the responsibility to light the candle makes a statement about the first principle i.e. Umoja (oo-MOH-jah) or unity. All the family members should listen to the statement and understand it in a way that all of them can explain the doctrine and its meaning. At times that particular member shares a passage or poem which is related to their lives and the principle in some way or the other.
The Umoja (Unity cup) filled with fruit juice is passed to all the members present in that congregating spot.
Some of the families use a Unity cup for every member present where as some just like to keep a Unity cup in the centre of the Kwanzaa table. After the ceremony of sharing fruit juice is over, the candles are turned off till the very next day.
The Second Day of Kwanzaa (December 27)
To represent the second doctrine or principle the left most red candle is lit after the black one. This principle represents Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah) or Self- Determination.
The process goes on in the same way. The person who lights the candle on 2nd day makes a statement which is related to the second principle. He or she also continues with a passage or a poem on that particular principle and explains how this doctrine is related to the meaning of their lives. The Unity cup is again shared between the members and the candles are extinguished.
The Third Day of Kwanzaa (December 28)
This is the time to emphasize on the 3rd principle of Kwanzaa, Collective work and responsibility. On the third day, the lighting of candles starts again with the black one, then the farthest left red one and them the utmost right green one are lit.
The family members who congregate discuss the meaning of the 3rd principle and share Unity cup. The candles are then extinguished.
The Fourth Day of Kwanzaa (December 29)
On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the black candle is lit at first, then the utmost left red one, then the farthest right green one and at last the next red candle, placed at the left hand side of the black one, is lit. It represents the 4th principle, i.e. Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH) or Collective economics.
The fourth principle is then discussed with the present members. The Unity cup is shared and the candles are turned off.
The Fifth Day of Kwanzaa (December 30)
The black candle, then the left most red candle, then the right most green candle, then the 2nd red candle at the left hand side and lastly the next green candle are lit in the same sequence. This represents the 5th principle i.e. Kwanzaa - Nia (NEE-ah) or Purpose.
Members discuss the fifth principle and share Unity cup. The day ends with extinguishing the candles.
The Sixth Day of Kwanzaa (December 31)
On the sixth day during Kwanzaa the black candle is lit, then the utmost left red, the extreme right green, the next red, the subsequent green and then the final red candle. This represents the 6th principle of Kwanzaa i.e. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) or Creativity.
The sixth day falls also on the New Years day and is a very special and momentous day for the African Americans. This is the day of Karamu or Kwanzaa feast. The spirit of celebration increases a lot when many of the family members invite their loved ones and friends.
To enhance the celebration mood, decorate the home with traditional Kwanzaa colors. The African American music at the background and traditional attires should match the Kwanzaa theme. Special holiday dishes are included in the celebration. Prepare fabulous and spicy dishes for the guests. Plays are performed, family members read out passage and poems which are related to the seven principles of Kwanzaa. A story teller enjoys the centre stage in the feast. The focus of the day should be on creativity. Try to show innovation and creativity in everything.
Present members remember their own ancestors while the Unity cup is shared. The candles are turned off after everyone enjoys the drink.
Tamshi La Tutaonana (TAM-shi la Tu-ta-u-NA-na) which was written by Dr. Karenga, the inventor of Kwanzaa, is read by the eldest member of those present before the conclusion of the Karamu ceremony. This is a farewell statement for the feast and the year.
Each and everyone conclude the Karamu saying "Harambee!" for seven times.
The Seventh Day of Kwanzaa (January 1)
On the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa, the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the utmost right green, the next red candle, the 2nd green candle at the right hand side of the black candle, the final red, then the last and final green candle. This represents the 7th Kwanzaa principle, Imani (ee-MAH-nee) or Faith.
As like any other days of Kwanzaa the principle of the day is discussed, the unity cup is shared and the candles are extinguished. This marks the end of Kwanzaa for the particular year.
As the festival is relatively new one, many families decide to celebrate the occasion in their own ways and pass on the tradition to the next generations as well.
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TeresahRN
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Lighting Kwanzaa Kinara
It's a known fact now that lighting Kinara is very important while celebrants step into the celebration moods of Kwanzaa. Black, Red and Green candles are placed in the candleholder or Kinara. Each of these candles has dissimilar notions.
The first night of Kwanzaa:
The first Kwanzaa night starts with lighting the black candle. It represents the principal of unity (Umoia).
The second night of Kwanzaa:
Relight the black candle first. The utmost left hand side candle which is red is lit on the second night during Kwanzaa. It represents self- determination (kujichagulia).
The third night of Kwanzaa:
Firstly, lit up the previous candles and then the farthermost right hand side candle (green) is lit and it signifies the collective work and accountability (ujima).
The fourth night of Kwanzaa:
Lit up the previous candles once again on the fourth Kwanzaa night then the second candle from the utmost left position (red) is lit. It denotes the principal of cooperative economics (ujamaa).
The fifth night of Kwanzaa:
On this night the second green candle from the farthest right hand side should be lit along with all the previous candles. It represents "purpose" (nia).
The sixth night of Kwanzaa:
Relight the previous candles which were lit earlier as well. The remaining red candle which is placed at the third position from the utmost left hand side should be lit to represent creativity (kuumba).
The seventh night of Kwanzaa:
On seventh night, the black candle is lit, then the utmost red, the farthest right one, then the second red, then second green, then the last red candle and lastly the green candle. This represents faith (imani).
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TeresahRN
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The Kwanzaa Feast or Karamu
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.
Delicious African American delicacies are prepared during the Kwanzaa feast. Traditional African, Caribbean and South American recipes add the spice. Even though the celebration and feast continue throughout the festive times of Kwanzaa but on December 31, the celebration takes altogether a different mood for the special feast called Karamu. The dining tables of well adorned homes look impressive with various spicy and delicious delicacies. This is the day when revelers get the opportunity to satisfy their healthy appetites.
Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr. Karenga.
Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances, Unity Circles)
Kuumba (Remembering)
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
Cultural Expression
Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.
Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)
It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions. Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction
of the four winds; north, south, east, and west. It should then be passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture. LIBATION STATEMENT.
For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.
Celebration
•Lauren Gorine (fiestentak)
•Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
•Kuumba (Remembering)
•Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
•Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
•Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)
•Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement)
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TeresahRN
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The Symbols of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa has seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones. Each represents values and concepts reflective of African culture and contributive to community building and reinforcement. The basic symbols in Swahili and then in English are:
Mazao (The Crops)
These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor.
Mkeka (The Mat)
This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build.
Kinara (The Candle Holder)
This is symbolic of our roots, our parent people -- continental Africans.
Muhindi (The Corn)
This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.
Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles)
These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.
Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup)
This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.
Zawadi (The Gifts)
These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
The two supplemental symbols are:
Bendera (The Flag)
The colors of the Kwanzaa flag are the colors of the Organization Us, black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. It is based on the colors given by the Hon. Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people throughout the world.
Nguzo Saba Poster (Poster of The Seven Principles)
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TeresahRN
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The greetings during Kwanzaa are in Swahili. Swahili is a Pan-African language and is chosen to reflect African Americans' commitment to the whole of Africa and African culture rather than to a specific ethnic or national group or culture. The greetings are to reinforce awareness of and commitment to the Seven Principles. It is: "Habari gani?" and the answer is each of the principles for each of the days of Kwanzaa, i.e., "Umoja", on the first day, "Kujichagulia", on the second day and so on.
Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.
The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green as noted above and can be utilized in decorations for Kwanzaa. Also decorations should include traditional African items, i.e., African baskets, cloth patterns, art objects, harvest symbols, etc.
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TeresahRN
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Kwanzaa: Roots and Branches
The Continental African Roots
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language.
The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. These celebrations are also found in ancient and modern times among societies as large as empires (the Zulu or kingdoms (Swaziland) or smaller societies and groups like the Matabele, Thonga and Lovedu, all of southeastern Africa. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: ingathering; reverence; commemoration; recommitment; and celebration. Kwanzaa, then, is:
a time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds between them;
a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation;
a time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors;
a time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice; and
a time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social.
The African American Branch
Rooted in this ancient history and culture, Kwanzaa develops as a flourishing branch of the African American life and struggle as a recreated and expanded ancient tradition. Thus, it bears special characteristics only an African American holiday but also a Pan-African one, For it draws from the cultures of various African peoples, and is celebrated by millions of Africans throughout the world African community. Moreover, these various African peoples celebrate Kwanzaa because it speaks not only to African Americans in a special way, but also to Africans as a whole, in its stress on history, values, family, community and culture.
Kwanzaa was established in 1966 in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement and thus reflects its concern for cultural groundedness in thought and practice, and the unity and self-determination associated with this. It was conceived and established to serve several functions.
Reaffirming and Restoring Culture
First, Kwanzaa was created to reaffirm and restore our rootedness in African culture. It is, therefore, an expression of recovery and reconstruction of African culture which was being conducted in the general context of the Black Liberation Movement of the '60's and in the specific context of The Organization Us, the founding organization of Kwanzaa and the authoritative keeper of its tradition. Secondly, Kwanzaa was created to serve as a regular communal celebration to reaffirm and reinforce the bonds between us as a people. It was designed to be an ingathering to strengthen community and reaffirm common identity, purpose and direction as a people and a world community. Thirdly, Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles.) These seven communitarian African values are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). This stress on the Nguzo Saba was at the same time an emphasis on the importance of African communitarian values in general, which stress family, community and culture and speak to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. And Kwanzaa was conceived as a fundamental and important way to introduce and reinforce these values and cultivate appreciation for them.
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TeresahRN
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TeresahRN
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The Day of Meditation
(Siku ya Taamuli)
The last day of Kwanzaa is the first day of the new year, January 1. Historically this has been for African people a time of sober assessment of things done and things to do, of self-reflection and reflection on the life and future of the people and of recommitment to their highest cultural values in a special way. Following in this tradition, it is for us then a time to ask and answer soberly and humbly the three Kawaida questions: Who am I; am I really who I say I am; and am I all I ought to be? And it is, of necessity, a time to recommit ourselves to our highest ideals, in a word, to the best of what it means to be both African and human in the fullest sense. (Click Here for the Odu Ifa meditation)
This Day of Assessment or Day of Meditation is noted in the first-fruits celebration of the Akan by J. B. Danquah. He states that the Akan have one day during the first-fruits harvest in which they simply engage in quiet reflection. "The idea on this (day) is to maintain a quiet, humble and calm attitude with regard to oneself and towards one's neighbors." It is thus a good time for reassessment and recommitment on a personal and family level.
Closely related to this is an activity also noted by both Danquah and Sarpong, the Day of Remembrance of the ancestors or the Adae celebration. We referred to it above as Akwasidae, but one could also use one of the days of Kwanzaa to pay special homage to the ancestors, those of the national community and those of the family. And this Day of Remembrance may also be a part of the Day of meditation or more precisely, the Day of Assessment.
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TeresahRN
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Preparation
There is a traditionally established way of celebrating Kwanzaa. We should therefore observe these guidelines to make our Kwanzaa the most beautiful and engaging one and to keep the tradition. Without definite guidelines and core values and practices there is no holiday.
First, you should come to the celebration with a profound respect for its values, symbols and practices and do nothing to violate its integrity, beauty and expansive meaning. Secondly, you should not mix the Kwanzaa holiday or its symbols, values and practice with any other culture. This would violate the principles of Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) and thus violate the integrity of the holiday.
Thirdly, choose the best and most beautiful items to celebrate Kwanzaa. This means taking time to plan and select the most beautiful objects of art, colorful African cloth, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc. so that every object used represents African culture and your commitment to the holiday in the best of ways.
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TeresahRN
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Procedures
First, a central place in the home for the Kwanzaa Set, the symbols of Kwanzaa is chosen. A table is then spread with a beautiful piece of African cloth. Then, the mkeka (mat) is placed down and all of the other symbols are placed on it or immediately next to it to symbolize our rootedness in our tradition. Next the Kinara (candle holder) is placed on the mat and the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) are placed in the kinara (candle holder).
The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle. Therefore there is one black candle, three red and three green candles. These are the mishumaa saba (the seven candles) and they represent the seven principles. The black candle represents the first principle Umoja (unity) and is placed in the center of the kinara. The red candles represent the principles of Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kuumba (creativity) and are placed to the left of the black candle. The green candles represent the principles of Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose) and Imani (faith) and are placed to the right of the black candle. The black candle is lit first on the first day of the celebration. And the remaining candles are lit afterwards from left to right on the following days. This procedure is to indicate that the people come first, then the struggle and then the hope that comes from the struggle.
And then the mazao (crops), and ears of corn are also placed on the mkeka. At least two ears of corn are placed down on the mat regardless of whether there are children in the immediate family or not for the children of the community belong to all of us and every adult in African tradition is considered an immediate or social parent. Next the kikombe cha umoja (the Unity cup) is then placed on the mkeka (mat). It is used to pour tambiko (libation) to the ancestors in remembrance and honor of those who paved the path down which we walk and who taught us the good, the Tamshi and the beautiful in life. Then African art objects and books on the life and culture of African people are also placed on or next to the mat to symbolize our commitment to heritage and learning.
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TeresahRN
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How to Arrange Kwanzaa Symbols and Decorations
The symbols used during Kwanzaa represent the concepts behind the holiday. Each has its own special place in the celebration - and on the table.
Things You'll Need
Kwanzaa Candleholders (kinara)
Kwanzaa Gifts (zawadi)
Ears Of Corn (muhindi)
Instructions
1
Start by spreading out the mkeka. This is traditionally a straw mat, but cloth is an appropriate substitute, especially if it's an African print.
2
Place the kinara (candleholder) in the middle of the mkeka.
3
Place the muhindi (ears of corn) on either side of the mkeka. Use one ear of corn for each child in the family. If there are no children in your family, use one or two ears of corn to represent the African concept of social parenthood.
4
Creatively arrange the remaining symbols - the kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), mazao (a basket of fruits and vegetables) and zawadi (gifts) - on the mkeka.
5
Place mishumaa saba (seven candles) in the kinara. Arrange the candles in the following order, left to right: three red, one black, three green.
6
Hang a Bendera Ya Taifa (flag of the Black Nation), if possible, behind or near the mkeka. The flag should be facing east.
7
Use balloons, streamers and flowers in the colors of Kwanzaa (red, green and black) to decorate the rest of the room, if desired. Or display African sculptures and artwork and hang African prints.
Tips & Warnings
The preferred location for Kwanzaa symbols is on a low table or the floor.
Use fruits and vegetables representative of Africa, such as pumpkins and squashes, sweet potatoes and bananas, for the mazao.
Kwanzaa gifts (zawadi) should emphasize education and culture. Handmade gifts are encouraged.
The mishumaa saba (seven candles) are lit in the following order, one new candle on each of the seven days of Kwanzaa: black, red, green, red, green, red, green.
Don't confuse the kinara with the Hannukah menorah, a Jewish religious symbol that holds nine candles. The kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles of Kwanzaa: umoja (unity), kuhichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith).
Don't place the mazao (crops) in a cornucopia, which has European roots. A plain straw basket or wooden bowl is preferred.
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