HABRI GANI- KWANZAA Kwanzaa is a unique American celebration with focus on 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 Black Americans, our 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 is celebrated through singing speaking, dancing and feasting. There are many symbols of Kwanzaa, the candelabra is called a “kinara. The straw mat that the Kinara is placed on is a “mkekaa. Ears of corn are also placed on the mat, one to represent each child in the household, they are called the “vibunzi” or “muhindi”. A fruit basket is placed on the mkeka, and is called the “mazao.” The unity cup is also placed on the mkeka is called the kikombe cha umoja. The seven candles that are placed in the “kinara” are called the “Mishumaa Saba”. Finally, all the gifts are called the “Zawadi” and are traditionally given on “Imani” – the last day of Kwanzaa. On the evening of “Kuumba” (Dec 31) there is a feast called “Karamu”. This is the main focus of Kwanzaa where cultural expression is encouraged. The last day of Kwanzaa, “Imani” (Jan. 1st) focuses on honoring traditions and reaffirming self worth through gift giving. Gifts are often made rather than bought because Kwanzaa emphasizes creativity or “kuumba”-one of the seven principles. The point of Kwanzaa is not one of gift giving or religious celebration, but a commemoration of heritage and togetherness. Family and friends should find Kwanzaa to be a time of sharing and pulling together. The guiding principles teach values we tend to lose in more modern and solitary society. Since the original ideas were to bring forth the harvest, the guiding principles bring people together to remind us how important we are to each other. These principles should be a part of our daily lives throughout the year…. Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more than 18 million people worldwide. When establishing Kwanzaa in 1966, Dr. Karenga included an additional “a” to the end of the spelling to reflect the difference between the American celebration and (kwanzaa) and the Motherland spelling (kwanza)… Kwanzaa is based on the Nguzo Sabo (seven guiding principles) one for each day of the observance. Each day one candle is lit to represent each principle. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. Each day will start with the call “Habri gani” What’s the word…and ends with “Harambe” lets pull together.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 16:27:41 +0000
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