The word "Kwanzaa" is a KiSwahili word that means "first fruits". This word references the significance of the harvest in many cultures that exist within the African diaspora. Kwanzaa takes place from December 26-January 1. Karenga created Kwanzaa in an effort to mobilize Black people in America to recognize their connection to their African heritage, honor it and live by traditional standards that revere the wisdom of the elders, celebrate the efforts of the collective community and create avenues for commerce, the arts and community-building. The holiday is currently celebrated throughout the world.
The Seven Principles
Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday; many people who celebrate Kwanzaa also may celebrate Christmas during the December holiday season. Kwanzaa extends for seven days in celebration of the Nguzo Saba which means "the seven principles". The seven priciples of Kwanzaa in KiSwahili and English are:
- Umoja which means Unity
- Kujichagulia which means Self-Determination
- Ujima which means Collective Work & Responsibility
- Ujamaa which means Cooperative Economics
- Nia which means Purpose
- Kuumba which means Creativity
- Imani which means Faith
The Seven Symbols
When celebrating Kwanzaa, there are seven symbols that are used during the seven day period that represent the Nguzo Saba and certain aspects that can be found in different African cultures. The KiSwahili and English names of the symbols are:
Mazao which means "The Crops". African harvest celebrations indicate a successful planting year. Mazao, often represented by bowls of fruit symbolize a year that has just transpired that has provided rewards, wisdom and economic wealth.
The Mkeka is the Kwanzaa "Mat". The mat is typically the first item placed down in a traditional Kwanzaa layout. Often made of straw woven together, the mat represents the foundation of all that is progressive. The belief is that the strength of the foundation indicates the success of all following accomplishments.
The Kinara is the "Candle Holder" that rests upon the mkeka. The kinara is a candle holder that holds three red candles, three green candles and a black candle that stands in the center. The kinara represents the people and continent of Africa. The seven candles, called mishumaa saba, represent the Nguzo Saba.
Corn--called muhindi-- is often placed on the Kwanzaa altar, representing the children of the community. Children are celebrated during Kwanzaa as being the leaders of our future and the seeds of today. All Kwanzaa celebrations include children and typically involve child-friendly activities.
The Kikombe Cha Umoja is the Unity Cup used during Kwanzaa and placed on the Kwanzaa altar. The Unity Cup is used to pour libations which is a communal act of showing reverence to the elders who have died in previous years. Karenga recognized the importance of older people in cultures that have maintained their traditional ways and incorporated libation pouring in Kwanzaa as a way to remember those who have trailblazed before.
And, finally, there is the zawadi. Zawadi means "gifts". One zawadi is given to a young person on each day of Kwanzaa to show the commitment of adults to the future-- the young. Zawadi are often hand-made or educational-based, with an emphasis on teaching a young person something new.
For more information on Kwanzaa, visit the official Kwanzaa website HERE.
Khadijah Ali-Coleman - Khadijah Ali-Coleman was the founding writer for the Youth Development site here on www.suite101.com. Khadijah Ali-Coleman is based in ...
