Kwanzaa occurs over the same seven days every year, from 26 December until 1 January. This year marks the 54th annual Kwanzaa. Dr. Maulana Karenga started this week-long holiday. It is meant to celebrate the unique culture & traditions of African Americans, and to bring families together. The US Organization website explains “on the national level, we created Kwanzaa and introduced the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, a critical value system for rescuing and reconstructing our lives as a people.”
The Principles of Kwanzaa
- Umoja: This principal represents unity throughout the family & community
- Kujichagulia: This principal represents being self-determined and making choices that will have a positive impact on themselves & others
- Ujima: This principal represents helping others and being responsible for our actions
- Ujamaa: This principal represents using your resources to support businesses in your community
- Nia: This principle represents being proactive and setting goals. While growing ad an individual make time to elevate your community and fight for equality.
- Kuumba: This principal represents being creative and beautifying the world around you
- Imani: This principle represents having faith in one another and the community as a whole. It also symbolizes the importance of maintaining faith when faced with struggles and oppression.
The Three Colors of Kwanzaa
The colors red, green, and black are important symbols of Kwanzaa. Black represents the color of African Americans, green symbolizes Africa’s fertile land, and red means the blood that others have shed in their struggle to gain freedom.
Traditions
Celebrations do differ, but they normally include laying out the 7 symbols of Kwanaa listed below which represent the 7 principles. A candle is lit on each day of Kwanzaa. There is a black candle in the middle, three green candles on the left, and 3 red candles on the right. The red candles stand for struggles, the green stand for hope, and the black represents the African people. The black center candle is lit first, and then each night you alternate from red to green and back starting with the ones outside and moving inward.
One of the highlights of Kwanzaa is the great feast of Karamu that takes place on December 31st. During this time, families and friends gather together to partake in traditional African dishes. The main dish is typically Karamu, a one-pot stew. It can vary from black eyed peas to gumbo or jambalaya. Other staples usually include collard greens, catfish, jerk chicken, fried plantains, fried okra, and sweet potato pie. Mazoa (fruits & vegetables symbolizing the bounty of the harvest,) and muhindi (ears of corn symbolizing fertility and representing each child in the family) will adorn the table. On the last day of Kwanzaa cultural gifts are given to each child. During Kwanzaa, many households will be decorated with African art and individuals will wear traditional African dress.
Kuumba, meaning creativity is highly encourages. Gifts are usually exchanged between the parents and children and are given out on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. Normally they are handmade items. Involving children in the celebration of Kwanzaa is a great way to create lasting memories. It builds family traditions that will last for years to come.
Many families create displays that also include flags that represent their African roots and African works of art and handicrafts. Some decorate their Christmas tree with green, red & black.
To stay safe during COVID, families might consider getting together virtually with a socially distant karamu celebration on Zoom.
The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
- Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup
- Kinara: The Candleholder
- Mazao: Nuts, vegetables and fruits
- Mishumaa Saba: Seven Candles Which Represent Kwanzaa’s 7 Principles
- Mkeka: A Mat That Is Made Out Of Straw
- Vibunzi: Ear Of Corn
- Zawadi: Presents
Approximately 20 million African Americans are expected to participate in Kwanzaa activities this year. As Americans unite in calling for racial justice and equality, this celebration should take on added meaning this year.
Let us know how you’re celebrating Kwanzaa this year.
