Kwanzaa - Africa

The name Kwanzaa is originated from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which stands for “first fruits” in Swahili.  Celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a big traditional meal.  On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the “kinara” (candleholder).  Then, one of the seven principles is talked about.  The principles are “values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans.”  The seven principles, are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga.  Each day of Kwanzaa highlights a different principle.  Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols that signify values reflective of African culture.  An African feast, called a “karamu,” is held on December 31.  

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 Dr. Maulana Karenga

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The candle-lighting ceremony each night gives the opportunity to get together and talk about the significance of Kwanzaa.  One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.  The seven principles are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.  Three of the seven candles are red, representing African struggle; three of the candles are green, representing the land and hope for the future; and one candle is black, representing African ancestry.  Several families who celebrate Kwanzaa dress up or adorn their homes in those colors. 

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The seven symbols are: crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables – represents work and the meaning of the holiday), place mat (made from straw or cloth, comes from Africa and represents history, culture, and tradition), ear of corn (represents fertility and the future hopes of a family), the seven candles (ceremonial objects that represent symbolically the sun’s power and to provide light), the candleholder (the “kinara” is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents our ancestry), the unity cup (a special cup that is used to do the libation ritual during the Karamu feast on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. In many African societies libation are poured for the living dead whose souls stay with the earth), and gifts (on the seventh day of Kwanzaa, meaningful gifts are given to inspire growth, self-determination, and success).  Gifts given to family members on the last day of Kwanzaa are often homemade.  Some families buy books, music, art accessories or other culturally-themed gifts, preferably from a family-owned store.

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For more information, visit: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history/videos.

Thank you for reading my Holiday and Related Foods Blog!  Unfortunately, this will be my last blog for a while.  Have a great summer!

Work Cited

History Channel Staff. Kwanzaa. The History Channel. (2009). A&E Television Networks. Retrieved May 11, 2015.

Día de los Muertos - Mexico

Día de los Muertos celebrates the traditions of present-day Mexico and of pre-Columbian times; including the Aztecs, Mayans and Toltec’s.  The Aztecs, for example, held a month-long celebration of deceased loved ones each year, overseen by the goddess Mictecacihuatl (“Lady of the Dead”).

Ancient Aztec Celebration

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Aztec Leader

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Aztec Offering

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In Mexico and among Mexican-Americans, November 1^st is usually reserved for honoring the children who died (angelitos), while November 2^nd is for honoring the adults who died.  

When families build altars (ofrendas) to the dead in their homes, they include offerings to represent earth, water, fire and wind.  The favorite foods of the deceased represent earth.  Water, traditionally placed in a clay pitcher or glass is for reflecting the belief that a returning spirit works up a thirst.  The candles and decoratively punched paper (papel picado) and marigolds would represent fire and wind. 

 

Ofrenda

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The deceased’s favorite foods and drinks also become part of the picnic if a family chooses to celebrate by the graveside.  The hope is that the spirit of the beloved one will return for a short reunion.

Cemetery Decoration in Oaxaca, Mexico

Egg-based Day of the Dead bread (pan de muerto) is a staple food for the celebration.  It usually is sweet and made with anise.  The bread is baked in various shapes representing humans and animals.  Some loaves are decorated with extra pieces of dough that look like skulls and bones.  Sugar skulls are made with white sugar and decorated with glitter glue, icing, or colored with markers.  Other foods linked to the holiday include atole (a corn-based drink, sometimes with liquor), chocolate, and mole. 

Pan de Muerto

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Atole

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Sugar Skulls

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As Day of the Dead candy skulls indicate, skeletons are a significant symbol of the holiday.  The role of the skeleton has both ancient and more recent roots.  In pre-Columbian times, representations of skulls and skeletons were shown on wall paintings and pottery.  They signified rebirth into the next stage of life.  In the early 20th century, Mexican political caricaturist Jose Guadalupe Posada received fame from imaginatively portraying the wealthy as somewhat narcissistic skeletons (“calaveras”) in fancy attire.  The most famous was Catrina, who wore a feathery hat and long dress and accompanied by Catrin, who wore a top hat and a tuxedo. 

Catrina/Catrina and Catrin

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Day of the Dead celebrations are to acknowledge that death is an inescapable part of life.  Instead of fearing it, you should celebrate it!  You can even celebrate my favorite interpretation of my favorite holiday, Nightmare/Noche de Los Muertos!

  

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For more information, please visit: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/media/dia-de-los-muertos/?ar_a=1

Return next week for another exciting blog on a holiday and related foods!

Work Cited

Turim, G. Day of the Dead Sweets and Treats. (2012, November 2). The History Channel. A&E Television Networks.  Retrieved April 13, 2015.