Kwanzaa: An African American Cultural Celebration

 
Now that the African Burial Ground is finally a reality there’s perhaps no better way to honor the African ancestors during this holiday season than by observing the uniquely African-American cultural holiday known as Kwanzaa which intertwines African traditions with American customs.

The African Burial Ground in Lower Manhattan which now holds the re-interred remains of more than 400 17th and 18th century Africans, is a tribute to the enslaved African men, women, and children who’s labor and lives, in many cases, made possible the economic development, and culture of America, both in the South and North.

Those first African-Americans held fast to their traditions while forced to adjust to the hardships of a life of slavery in a strange land. Kwanzaa celebrated between December 26th and January 1st is a festive, but deeply meaningful holiday that pays tribute to the rich cultural heritage of African-Americans by promoting an understanding of the African traditions and principles that helped the enslaved Africans survive harsh conditions in a hostile land.
 

 
Kwanzaa was first celebrated on December 26th, 1966, in Los Angeles, by Dr. Maulena Karenga, and his family and friends. He based the holiday on traditional African celebrations of the first fruits of the harvest, while highlighting African history, mythology, creativity, social structure, political organization and economics

The core principles of Kwanzaa are known as the Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles), expressed by Karenga in Swahili, a language of East Africa.

The name Kwanzaa is taken from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits". Each day of the Kwanzaa celebration focuses on one of the seven principles. But, each principle is actually meant to be practiced year-round. And, each person who celebrates Kwanzaa has a role to play in his relations with other people and in his responsibility to the community as would be expected in an African village or community.
 

 
The entry of the African ancestors' into America left them with little hope of ever being freed from slavery. But, their spirit, faith and trust in the universal laws eventually led them out of chains and bondage. The Nguzo Saba directs modern day African-Americans to trust in the promises of this land and to practice these principles, as the Ancestors did, to achieve successful results.

The seven core principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Holidays are a time when we enjoy the company of friends and relatives, prepare special foods, remember traditions and especially in the African-American community, honor ancestors. The 7-day observance of Kwanzaa adds purpose, identity and direction to that celebration. The cultural holiday is an outgrowth of many customs, joined with ancient African tribal practices. Inasmuch, it’s a direct link to the past and a way of honoring the tribal values of unity and self-determination of the stolen African men, women and children who built this country. In effect, Kwanza celebrates the survival of not only the first African-Americans but of their traditions. Kwanzaa helps present day African-Americans make sense of their history and find a deeper purpose to everyday life.
 

 
The originator of the holiday, Dr. Karenga says, “the core principles of Kwanzaa [are] a necessary minimum set of principles by which Black people must live in order to begin to rescue and reconstruct our history and lives.”

Author Dorothy Winbush Riley writes in her book, The Complete Kwanzaa: Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest, “This modern holiday allows Africa’s children, scattered on every continent, a way to preserve the details of the motherland and to enjoy prosperity, by using ancient wisdom to solve today’s problems. The modern harvest is not confined to one season; it is a continuous sowing and reaping of thoughts planted in our minds.”

If your family has never celebrated Kwanzaa why not take the time this year to incorporate it into your annual holiday traditions. The holiday is celebrated by more than 20 million African-Americans in the United States and millions more of African descent throughout the Diaspora.
 

 
Seven is a sacred number, not only in Biblical scripture but also in African culture. Just as there are seven core principles observed during Kwanzaa there are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa.  Mazoa (fruits, nuts and vegetables), Mkeka (place mat), Muhindi (ears of corn), Mishumaa saba (the seven candles), Kinara (candleholder), Kikombe cha umoja (communal cup of unity) and Zawadi (gifts). The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black and green. The Mkeka may be an African mud cloth or a Kente patterned textile. Zawadi should be hand made, reflecting creativity.
 
A low table covered with an African print cloth should be used to display your Kinara and other symbols. Spread the Mkeka on the table. Place the Kinara and the Kikombe cha umoja in the center. Place the Muhindi around the Kinara. Place the Zawadi and the maze on the Mkeka.
 

 
Each evening gather family and friends and light one candle representing the principle of the day. Explain the meaning of that candle. On the second day light two candles; on the third day, light three; and so on until the seventh day when all the candles burn together. Mishumaa saba, the seven candles include three red candles, three green candles and one black candle.  The black candle symbolizes Umoja (unity); the basis of success and it is the first candle to be lit on December 26th. The three green candles represent Kugichagulia, Ujima, and Ujamaa. They are placed to the right of the Umoja candle. The three red candles represent Nia, Kuumba and Imani. They are placed to the left of the Umoja candle.

On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa greet friends and family with the phrase “Habari gani,” which means, “What’s happening?” The response is the principle of the day. For example on the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26th the greeting would be “Habari gani!” The response would be “Umoja!”

Kwanzaa is representative of community so if possible it should be observed together by two or more people. On the first day of Kwanzaa set aside special time to give thought to the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles. Use the time thoughtfully for meditation, reassessment of and recommitment to goals and most importantly to honor and remember the ancestors. Consider an informal daily program. Ask the eldest person present to share his or her wisdom in an opening statement each day of the Kwanzaa observance. Present a libation to the ancestors using the Kikombe cha umoja (communal cup of unity). Include Harambee, a call to unity and a statement of the principle of the day and its meaning.
 

 
As you light the candle each day discuss how you can personally incorporate the days’ principle into daily life. Include reflections of how ancestors may have incorporated the principle of the day into their lives. Many people choose to include poems, music, song or dance in their daily Kwanzaa observance. Eating and feasting on the “first fruits” is also a part of the Kwanzaa celebration. And, just as there is an opening statement there should be a closing or farewell statement filled with hope and promise for the coming year.

Creativity or Kuumba is not only the sixth principle but it should also be your guide in fashioning a Kwanzaa tradition. Just as the first African-Americans drew on their heritage to adapt to life in a strange land, you and your family can expand on the holiday traditions that are already part of your heritage to make your Kwanzaa celebration unique, meaningful and enduring.