This holiday that celebrates black heritage in the US begins on December 26 and heralds in a week of festivities that honors African-American pride, culture, and history. During this time, people gather with family and friends to exchange gifts, share meals, and share their rich heritage, according to the National Geographic.
Kwanza means first fruits in Swahili and refers to the joy people experience during the harvest season. The holiday encourages people to celebrate seven principals including unity, self-determination, community work, sharing and supporting one another, purpose, creativity, and faith.
The creation of Kwanza
The holiday was created in 1966, during the time of the civil rights movement when many people were treated unfairly because of the color of their skin. This was the time of legislation outlawing school segregations and the voting rights law of 1964. But there was still discrimination.
In 1965, a police officer pulled over two Black men in the Watts neighborhood of LA which led to six days of protests, rioting, and destruction. The next year, educator and community activist Maulanga Karenga wanted to rebuild the neighborhoods that were damaged by the riots and to encourage pride in the community. Part of this plan was the creation of a celebration that would encourage Black Americans to rediscover their African heritage.
Celebrating Kwanza
Kwanza is not a religious holiday but there are rituals that celebrate African culture and values, reported CBC. One of the ways the holiday is celebrated is by wearing African clothing which could include colorful kaftans or dashikis. Some people also decorate their homes in the colors of the Pan-African flag (red, green, and black).
The most important Kwanza tradition is the lighting of a special candle holder called the kinara. On each day during the holiday an additional candle is lit until all of the candles are aglow on the last day. One candle is black, three are red, and three are green. Each of the candles represent one of the seven principles. The black candle is lit first and stands for unity.
There are other symbols that are placed near the kinara that include a mkeka or straw mat that is placed under the candleholder and represents the past, fruits and vegetables – Including an ear of corn for each child – that signify abundance, a cup that is shared by the family to remember their ancestors, and handmade gifts.
On December 31, the sixth day of kwanza, Karamu – a special feast – is prepared where traditional African dishes are served including sweet desserts. Music is played and people dance and sing, according to National Geographic.
On the last day of the holiday, people focus on the new year, what they want to achieve, and what kind of person they want to be. Kwanza is an excellent way to celebrate this season with an appreciation of the past and hope for the future.
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