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.