heres your history lesson..thank me later! 
DEFINITION OF KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with
focus on the traditional African values of family,
community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither
political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute
for Christmas.
It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors
and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the
African
language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance.
Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be
observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as
reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr.
Karenga
included an additional "a" to the end of the
spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration
(kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each
day of the observance, and is celebrated
from December 26th to January 1st.
December 26 - Umoja (OO-MO-JAH)
Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the
community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am
because We are."
December 27 - Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH)
Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make
decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
December 28 - Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH)
Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past,
present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community,
society, and world.
December 29 - Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH)
Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and
encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
December 30 - Nia (NEE-YAH)
Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals
that are beneficial to the community.
Decembe 31 - Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH)
Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong
and vibrant community.
January 1 - Imani (EE-MAH-NEE)
Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in
ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by
affirming our
self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous
struggle.
CELEBRATING KWANZAA
As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest that you begin the
first week in December bymaking a check list for the following items:
Kinara (candle holder);
Mkeka(placemat preferably made of straw);
Mazao (crops,i.e., fruits and vegetables);
Vibunzi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household);
Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup);
Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and
Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).
It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah.*
The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles
which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't
know
where to get one, it is suggested that you use
"kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do
just
fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in
most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem.
While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth
makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is
preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further
discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao(crops) in a
cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just
fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an
ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social
parenthood.
All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the
symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa
centerpiece.
DECORATING THE HOME
The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should
dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily
achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are
black, red and green.
This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green
streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung
tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as
well.
GIFTS
Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the
seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts
one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can
be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be
affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually
exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January
1st, the last day of
Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.
THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants
celebrating New
Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very
special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our
African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.
Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important
to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community
center, church) in an
African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large
Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place.
A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food
should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service.
Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program
should be presented.
Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment,
recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for
greater unity.
Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr.
Karenga.
Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances,
Unity
Circles)
Kuumba (Remembering)
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
Cultural Expression
Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.
Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)
It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all
special occasions.
Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on
our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the
essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the
direction of the four winds; north, south, east, and west.
It should then be passed among family members and guests who may
either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.
DEFINITION OF KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with
focus on the traditional African values of family,
community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither
political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute
for Christmas.
It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors
and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the
African
language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance.
Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be
observed by more than18 million people worldwide, as
reported by the New York Times. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr.
Karenga
included an additional "a" to the end of the
spelling to reflect the difference between the African American celebration
(kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza).
Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each
day of the observance, and is celebrated
from December 26th to January 1st.
December 26 - Umoja (OO-MO-JAH)
Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the
community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am
because We are."
December 27 - Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH)
Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make
decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
December 28 - Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH)
Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past,
present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community,
society, and world.
December 29 - Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH)
Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and
encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
December 30 - Nia (NEE-YAH)
Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals
that are beneficial to the community.
Decembe 31 - Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH)
Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong
and vibrant community.
January 1 - Imani (EE-MAH-NEE)
Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in
ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by
affirming our
self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous
struggle.
CELEBRATING KWANZAA
As it is always better to get an early start, I suggest that you begin the
first week in December bymaking a check list for the following items:
Kinara (candle holder);
Mkeka(placemat preferably made of straw);
Mazao (crops,i.e., fruits and vegetables);
Vibunzi (ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household);
Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup);
Mishumaa saba (seven candles, one black, three red, and three green); and
Zawadi (gifts that are enriching).
It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah.*
The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles
which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't
know
where to get one, it is suggested that you use
"kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do
just
fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in
most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't present a problem.
While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth
makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is
preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further
discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao(crops) in a
cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just
fine. One last note, even households without any children should place an
ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social
parenthood.
All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the
symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa
centerpiece.
DECORATING THE HOME
The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should
dominate the room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily
achieved and shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are
black, red and green.
This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and green
streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung
tastefully around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as
well.
GIFTS
Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the
seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts
one squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can
be made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be
affordable and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually
exchanged between parents and children and traditionally given on January
1st, the last day of
Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.
THE KWANZAA FEAST OR KARAMU
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants
celebrating New
Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very
special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our
African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.
Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important
to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community
center, church) in an
African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large
Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place.
A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food
should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service.
Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program
should be presented.
Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment,
recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for
greater unity.
Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr.
Karenga.
Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances,
Unity
Circles)
Kuumba (Remembering)
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
Cultural Expression
Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.
Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)
It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all
special occasions.
Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on
our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the
essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the
direction of the four winds; north, south, east, and west.
It should then be passed among family members and guests who may
either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.
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