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Living in Canada, we’ve long since learned that Christmas is not the only holiday taking place in December. “Merry Christmas” now shares its place on banners with “Happy Chanukah” and “Happy Kwanzaa.” Being vaguely Jewish myself, Chanukah isn’t much of a mystery to me, but I’ve always wondered about Kwanzaa. In primary school I learned that it’s an African holiday, and has something to do with grain - a very detailed picture, no? This December, I’ve decided to find out what Kwanzaa is all about.

Turns out, Kwanzaa has an amazingly interesting history. It was invented in California in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the Black Liberation Movement, and now maintained by Organization Us. The name was derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” (first fruits), and the holiday is based on ancient African first fruits ceremonies practiced all over the continent. It was created to restore the connection of African peoples in Diaspora to the continent and to strengthen community and family bonds, and centers on Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith). These Principles also represent each day of the celebration, in order. It is important to note that Kwanzaa was not meant to be a religious holiday, or to replace any other holidays.

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days, from December 26 - January 1. Its colours are red, green, and black. Its traditional symbols are arranged on a Mkeka, a mat made of straw or cloth and are: Mazao (Crops - usually any fruits or vegetables), placed in a bowl or basket; a Kinara, a candle holder with - you guessed it - seven candles, called Mishumaa Saba; Muhindi, or corn; Kikombe cha Umoja, a “unity cup” which is used to pour libations; and Zawadi, or gifts. Gifts are given between parents and family. They are meant to inspire thought and reflection, and should generally be educational - fitting well with the spirit of the holiday.

The holiday culminates in a feast, or a Kamaru. This, like the holiday as a whole, is meant to reinforce community ties, and so preparations are often done communally. The ceremony centers on reflection, remembering and recommitment to the community and values of Kwanzaa, but, of course, also involves plenty of entertainment.

So, now you know. Then again, researching a holiday can give you all the details you want, but it can’t give you its flavour. That’s why we’re asking you: how do YOU celebrate Kwanzaa?

If you don’t celebrate yourself, but are interested in learning more, you can visit the Official Kwanzaa Website or Everything About Kwanzaa, which were my main sources and offer a lot of very detailed information.

Pictures from: Wikipedia, Official Kwanzaa Website

This entry was posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 at 6:13 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.