What is Kwanzaa? I've never heard of it! Today lets look at a rather new holiday on the American calendar.
RODNAE Productions
What Religion is it?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it's a cultural one. Because of this, people from all different religious backgrounds — including African spiritual traditions — celebrate the holiday.
What does Kwanzaa mean?
The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza', this means 'first fruits.' The extra 'A' was added because 7 children attended the first event in 1966 and they all wanted to represent a letter!
Where does it come from?
Kwanzaa was created in the 1960's by a man called Maulana Karenga. He created Kwanzaa to help unite and empower the African American community after the Watts Riots. The Watts Riots took place in the Watts neighborhood in L.A from August 11 to 16, 1965. The Watts Riots started when an African-American man was pulled over by the police for drink driving, the following riots resulted in 34 deaths. Karenga styled the holiday on traditional African harvest festivals.
What gifts do you give?
Gifts are handed out on the last day of Kwanzaa. They are usually homemade by family members, this is to stop the holiday becoming too commercial, and to keep community spirit. Other gifts can include books, music, art, accessories and other culturally appropriate gifts.
Kwanzaa or Christmas?
People sometimes think that Kwanzaa is a Christmas alternative, but actually many people celebrate both holidays. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not religious "Thus, Africans of all faiths can, and do, celebrate Kwanzaa" said Karenga. Karenga has also stated that, non-Black people can also celebrate Kwanzaa, just like non-Mexican people commemorate Cinco de Mayo.
Askar Abayev
How do you celebrate?
There are seven principles to follow when observing Kwanzaa. Celebrations often include singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, African drumming, and feasting.
Umoja - unity
Kujichagulia - self-determination
Ujima - collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa - co-operative economics
Nia - purpose
Kuumba - creativity
Imani - faith
There are also seven symbols for Kwanzaa that have special meanings, they include:
Mazao - crops
Mkeka - place mat
Kinara - candleholder
Muhindi - corn
Kikimbe Cha Umoja - unity cup
Zawadi - gifts
Mishumaa Saba - seven candles
All of these items are usually arranged on a table together. Three of the seven candles are red and the represent struggle, another three of the candles are green and they represent the land and hope for the future, the other candle is black and it represents the people of African descent. If you look at images of Kwanzaa many people can be seen wearing these colors and decorating their homes with them too.
Askar Abayev
Let's eat!
Kwanzaa finishes with a feast called Karamu, and peoples tables are filled with the best of everything.
The Karamu feast started when Pan-African groups in Chicago wanted a community/ educational event. The initial feast was attended by 200 people on January 1st 1973. The feast's dishes can be family favorites or foods of one particular country. In the spirit of Kwanzaa and learning about African heritage, some families and churches select one country, and the entire Karamu menu includes dishes and foods from that specified place.
Why not check out some of these recipes like Jerk Chicken from the Caribbean or Gumbo!
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