Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa gives African families the opportunity to gather together and celebrate their African heritage and the true meaning of Kwanzaa. The name Kwanzaa is borrowed by the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza.” This phrase means “first fruits,” which symbolizes a harvest celebration and hard work. Kwanzaa celebrates unity, life, self-determination, hope and success. Most families celebrate with music, including African drums and dancing. In addition, families tell stories, read poetry, give gifts, and of course bring together a large traditional meal.

The candle-lighting ceremony is celebrated for seven nights. The candle celebration is important because the candles represent the power of the sun and provide additional light. On each night the families gather together and a child usually lights a candle on the candle holder, which they refer to as the kinara. On the first night, December 26th, the black candle that is in the center of the kinara is lit. There are three red candles all placed on the left side and three green candles place on the right. These three colors represent the African God as well as the black, green and red flag created by Marcus Garvey, which reflects the Pan-African Movement. The last candle is lit on January 1st. The black candle is specifically representing the African people, hope and life. The red candles represents self-determination, and the anger and blood from the struggle of slavery, while the green candles represents the land, hope, and the fruits of the harvest.

Together the candles are called mishuuma saba. Each candle lit represents one principle for each day. The seven principles are:

• Umoja: Unity
• Kujichagulia: Self-determination
• Ujima: Collective Work and Responsibility
• Ujamaa: Cooperative Economics
• Nia: Purpose
• Kuumba: Creativity
• Imani: Faith

The kikombe cha umoja, also known as the unity cup, honors ancestors who have departed. Traditionally the eldest person presents his or her blessing to the ancestors and then pours the libation to friends and family containing liquids such as wine, water or juice. This ritual is celebrated on the sixth day of Kwanzaa and represents unity. The mkeka is a place mat, usually made from straw or cloth directly from Africa. Most of the Kwanzaa essentials such as the kikombe cha umoja, mishuuma saba and the kinara are placed on this mat. The mekeka symbolizes the tradition and history for African culture. It signifies a foundation for those to stand on and build onto their lives each day.

Kwanzaa is a time of year for families to bond together for traditions and to be thankful for what opportunities they have today. Songs and dances are known to be most favored during the celebration of Kwanzaa. The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a signficant song sung during the celebration.”Happy Kwanzaa!” and “Heri za Kwanzaa,” are two of the most common greetings during Kwanzaa. Here is a link with additional information about Kwanzaa along with ideas and activities to help celebrate the holiday.

Tayla M.

Boston Tutoring Services