Kwanzaa is a party invented in 1966 by Ronald Karenga (founder of the Black Power group "Us Organization") through which African-Americans can keep in touch with their culture and their traditions. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st and each of the 7 days focuses on one of the seven core values, or Nguzo Saba. A candle is lit every day and gifts are exchanged on the last day. Since Kwanzaa is a cultural rather than a religious holiday, it can be celebrated alongside Christmas or Hanukkah.
Steps
Step 1. Decorate your home or main room with Kwanzaa symbols
Place a green tablecloth on a table in the center of the room and place the Mkeka on it which is a straw or fabric placemat that represents the historical foundations of the African lineage. Put the following on the Mkeka:
- Mazao - fruit or vegetables placed in a bowl to represent the productivity of the community.
- Kinara - a 7-armed candlestick.
- Mishumaa Saba - the seven candles representing the seven central principles of Kwanzaa. The three candles on the left are red and represent efforts; the three candles on the right are green and represent hope; the one in the center is black and represents the struggle of African Americans or those who have represented the African cultural heritage.
- Muhindi - corn on the cob. Put a cob for each child; if there are no children, put two corn on the cob to represent the children of the community.
- Zawadi - various gifts for children.
- Kikombe cha Umoja - a cup that represents the unity of the family and the community.
Step 2. Decorate the room with Kanzaa flags, called Bendera, and posters emphasizing the seven principles
You can buy them or make them and it's great fun making them with the kids.
- Check out this article for more details on how to make a flag. Click here for detailed instructions on how to color a "bandera".
- If you or your kids like to make flags, try making the African national or tribal flag instead of the Bendera.
Step 3. Practice Kwanzaa Greetings
Starting December 26, greet everyone by saying "Habari Gani" which is the standard Swahili greeting and means "what's new?" If someone greets you, respond with the principle (Nguzo Saba) of that day:
- December 26: "Umoja" - Unity
- December 27: "Kujichagulia" - Self-determination
- December 28: "Ujima" - Collective work and responsibility
- December 29: "Ujamaa" - Economic cooperation
- December 30: "Nia" - Goal
- December 31: "Kuumba" - Creativity
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January 1: "Imani" - Faith.
- Non-African Americans are also welcome to join in the greetings. For them the traditional greeting is "Happy Kwanzaa."
Step 4. Turn on the Kinara every day
Since each candle represents a specific principle, it lights up one at a time, following a certain order. The black candle is always the first. Some people light other candles starting from left to right (red to green) while others alternate as follows:
- Black candle
- First red candle on the left
- Last green candle on the right
- Second red candle
- Second green candle
- Last red candle
- First green candle
Step 5. Kanzwaa can be celebrated in many different ways
Choose any or all of the following activities to do during the seven days, leaving the banquet on the sixth day. The Kwanzaa ceremony can include:
- Musical and percussion selections
- Reading of the African Promises and the Principles of the Blacks
- Reflections on the colors of Africa, discussions on the principles of the day or interpretations of chapters in African history.
- Ritual lighting of the Kinara candles.
- Artistic performances.
Step 6. On the sixth day (New Year) do the Karamu banquet of Kwanzaa
The Kwanzaa banquet is a truly special event that brings everyone closer to their African roots. Traditionally held on December 31st and is the result of a collective joint effort. Decorate the place where the banquet will be held in red, green and black. A scenario suitable for Kwanzaa should dominate the hall where the banquet will be held. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the room with food on it creatively arranged and positioned so that everyone can help themselves. An entertainment program should be presented before and during the banquet.
- Traditionally, the program should include welcome, remembrance, reconsideration, commitment and joy, and should end with a declaration and a request for more unity.
- During the banquet, it is drunk from a common cup, called Kikombe cha Umoja, which is passed to all participants.
Step 7. Giving Kuumba Gifts
Kuumba, which means creativity, is highly encouraged and gives a sense of self-satisfaction. Gifts are usually exchanged between parents and children and are usually given on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. Since gift giving has a lot to do with Kuumba, gifts should be of an educational or artistic nature.
