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Celebrating Kwanzaa
(Also see What is Kwanzaa?)
 Kwanzaa colors are green, black and red. When
decorating your home, you should stick to things that are African in design and
represent the heritage of African-American people.
Mixing African art and fabric with ribbons, candles, flowers and more can
pull everything together for a fantastic holiday.
To decorate your table, you値l need the seven symbols of Kwanzaa用laced
decoratively on the center table.
The Kinara (candle holder) is like a menorah葉he Jewish candleholder used
for Chanukah that holds nine candles (one lit each
night of the Chanukah celebration). The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect
the seven principles that are the foundation of Kwanzaa. Buy one or make one容asy
enough: a piece of wood works fine; add screw-in candle holders and, voila, you
have a Kinara! In fact, have the whole family create this symbol擁t痴 what
Kwanzaa is about.
The Mkeka (a placemat made of straw) is the foundation of the centerpiece.
While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate
substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. Place an
ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social
parenthood. The placemat is the center of the celebration葉he Kinara and all
items listed below should be placed upon it to create a centerpiece.
Mazao (fruits and vegetables); Vibunzi (ears of corn, one for each child in
your home); the Kikombe cha umoja (communal unity cup); Mishumaa saba (seven
candles, one black, three red, and three green); and Zawadi (gifts that are
enriching).
Decorating the Home:
The Kinara along with the other symbols of Kwanzaa should dominate the
room, which should be given an African motif. This is easily achieved and
shouldn't result in too much expense. The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and
green. This should be kept in mind when decorating the home. Black, red and
green streamers, balloons, cloth, flowers, and African prints can be hung tastefully
around the room. Original art and sculpture may be displayed as well.
Gifts:
Kuumba (creativity) is greatly encouraged. Not only is Kuumba one of the
seven principles, it also brings a sense of personal satisfaction and puts one
squarely into the spirit of Kwanzaa. Therefore, those symbols that can be
made, should be made. The giving of gifts during Kwanzaa should be affordable
and of an educational or artistic nature. Gifts are usually exchanged between
parents and children and traditionally given on January 1st, the last day of
Kwanzaa. However, gift giving during Kwanzaa may occur at any time.
Favors:
Personalized
candy bars
The Kwanzaa Feast (or Karumu):
The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants
celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It
is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer
to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.
Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important
to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community
center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color
scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will
take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where
the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for
self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining
program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming,
remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell
statement and a call for greater unity.
Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr.
Karenga.
- Kukaribisha (Welcoming):
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All
Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances,
Unity Circles).
- Kuumba (Remembering):
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
Cultural Expression
- Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and
Recommitment):
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.
- Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
- Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement):
It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all
special occasions. Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an
opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is
suggested as it holds the essence of life and should be placed in a
communal cup and poured in the direction of the four winds; north, south,
east, and west. It should then be passed among family members and guests
who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.
Libation Statement:
For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.
Kikombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup)
Kutoa Majina (Calling Names of Family Ancestors and Black Heroes)
Ngoma (Drums)
Karamu (Feast)
Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement)
Have a good time!
The Party Girl
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