Trình duyệt của bạn đã tắt chức năng hỗ trợ JavaScript.
Website chỉ làm việc khi bạn bật nó trở lại.
Để tham khảo cách bật JavaScript, hãy click chuột vào đây!

How to Celebrate Kwanzaa

Thứ sáu - 26/04/2024 23:11

Table of contents

Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26th through January 1st, is a holiday that celebrates African American heritage and culture. Each of the 7 days of Kwanzaa focus on 1 of 7 core values, also known as Nguzo Saba. A candle is lit on each day, and on the last day, gifts are exchanged. Since Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday rather than a religious one, it can be celebrated alongside Christmas/Hanukkah or on its own. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about celebrating Kwanzaa with your friends and family.^{[1] X Research source}

Decorate your home.

Fill your living space with symbols of Kwanzaa to set the scene. Put a green tablecloth over a centrally located table, and on top of that, place the Mkeka which is a straw or woven mat that symbolizes the historical foundation of African ancestry. Place the following on the Mkeka:
- Mazao — fruit or crops placed in a bowl, representing the community's productivity.
- Kinara — a seven-pronged candle-holder.
- Mishumaa Saba — the seven candles which represent the seven core principles of Kwanzaa. Three candles on the left are red, representing struggle; three on the right are green, representing hope; and one in the center is black, signifying the African American people or those who draw their heritage from Africa.
- Muhindi — ears of corn. Lay out one ear of corn for each child; if there are no children, place two ears to represent the children of the community.
- Zawadi — various gifts for the children.
- Kikombe cha Umoja — a cup to represent family and community unity.

Hang flags.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
You can purchase or make these, and it's especially fun to make them with the kids.^{[2] X Research source}

See How to make a flag for details on flag making. Click here for detailed instructions on how to color in the Bendera.

If you or your children enjoy making flags, try making African national or tribal flags in addition to the Bendera.

Greet others the Kwanzaa way.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
This is a standard Swahili greeting meaning "what is the news?" If someone greets you, respond with the principle (Nguzo Saba) for that day:^{[3] X Research source}

December 26: "Umoja" — Unity

December 27: "Kujichagulia" — Self-determination

December 28: "Ujima" — Collective work and responsibility

December 29: "Ujamaa" — Cooperative economics

December 30: "Nia" — Purpose

December 31: "Kuumba" — Creativity

January 1: "Imani" — Faith.

Non African-Americans are also welcome to participate in greetings. The traditional greeting for them is "Joyous Kwanzaa."

Light the Kinara daily.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Since each candle represents a specific idea, they are lit one day at a time, in a certain order. The black candle is always lit first. Some people light the remaining candles from left to right (red to green) while other people alternate as follows:

Black candle

Far left red candle

Far right green candle

Second red candle

Second green candle

Last red candle

Last green candle

Throw in some fun activities.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Pick and choose some or all of the following activities throughout the seven days of Kwanzaa, saving the feast for the sixth day. Kwanzaa ceremony may include:^{[4] X Research source}

Drumming and musical selections.

Readings of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness.

Reflections on the Pan-African colors, discussions of African principles of the day, or recitations of chapters in African history.

The candle-lighting ritual of the Kinara.

Artistic performances.

Throw a big feast on the 6th day.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
The Kwanzaa feast is a very special event that brings everyone closer to their African roots. It is traditionally held on December 31st and is a communal and cooperative effort. Decorate the place where the feast will be held in a red, green, and black scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the feast will be held. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food is placed creatively and made accessible to all to serve themselves. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented.

Traditionally, the program should involve welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

During the feast, drinks are to be shared from a communal cup, the Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants.

Give gifts.

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}
Kuumba, meaning creativity, is highly encouraged and brings a sense of self-satisfaction. The gifts are usually exchanged between the parents and children and are given out traditionally on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. Since the giving of gifts has very much to do with Kuumba, the gifts should be of an educational or artistic nature.^{[5] X Research source}