Celebration Of Kwanzaa

KWANZAA TRADITION

Kwanzaa is celebrated for 7 days from December 26- January 1st. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase " Matunda Ya Kwanza" which means "first fruits." Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday and it celebrates the culture, community and family. Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. Dr. Karenga was a professor at California State University at Long Beach.

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For each of the 7 nights a candle is lit to represent one of the 7 principles. As each candle is lit, it gives the family an opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. There are 7 candles to represent each night of the holiday. A black candle is the 1st to be lit and it represents the principle Umoja or Unity.
The 7 candles are as follows:

1)Unity- strive for unity in family, community, their nation and race

2)Self Determination- define, name, create and speak for oneself

3)Collective work and Responsibility- to build and maintain the communities problems and work together as a community to solve them

4) Cooperative Economics- to build and maintain businesses in the community and to profit from them together as a community

5)Purpose- the building and developing of the community to restore the African American traditional greatness

6)Creativity- to work together as a community to make the community richer and more beneficial than what was inherited to them

7)Faith- to believe in the victories of their struggle and in their hearts, their people, parents, teachers and leaders

Kwanzaa also has 7 symbols that represent their traditions and beliefs. I have listed them for you and what they represent:

1)Mazoa- fruit, nuts and vegetables
- represents the basics for the holiday

2)Mkeka- place mat
- made from straw or cloth, represents the historical and traditional foundation to stand and build their lives

3)vibunzi- ear of corn
-represents fertility and reproductions through their children, thier hopes of family

4)Mishumaa Saba- the 7 candles
-used to create the sun's power and to provide light
- has 3 red candles, 3 green candles and 1 black candle

5)Kinara- the candle holder
- holds 7 candles and represents their ancestory

6)Kikombe Cha Umojo- the unity cup
- special cup used to perform the liberation ritual on the 6th day of Kwanzaa

7) Zawadi- gifts
- give meaningful gifts to encourage growth, self determination, achievement and success