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What is Kwanzaa?
(Also see Celebrating Kwanzaa?)
 Well,
I’m no expert, but I tried to do some research. Please feel free to e-mail
me with any information you which to share so that next year, we can expand
our Kwanzaa section!
Okay. Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans with emphasis on family
values, community responsibility and self-improvement. I’m told that although
it is not a substitute for Christmas, some people only celebrate Kwanzaa.
It is not a religious holiday, however, it is a time for African Americans to
celebrate their heritage, their culture and take a look back at their ancestors
and revel in their memories.
In Kiswahili, Kwanzaa, means "first fruits of the harvest." The
holiday was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga and is becoming an accepted
tradition for more than 15 million people worldwide according to the New York
Times.
It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st and is based on Nguzo Saba
(seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance:
- Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for
the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying,
"I am We," or "I am because We are."
- Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires
that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best
interest of our family and community.
- Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of
our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to
play in the community, society, and world.
- Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective
economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual
support.
- Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to
set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
- Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies
to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
- Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our
traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves and helps us strive for a
higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and
confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
Gifts for Kwanzaa:
Kuumba or creativity is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa thus it
makes sense that you use it when choosing gifts for the holiday.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money, nor do you have to strain your
brain (so to speak)—you just have to think of things that go with your
heritage: that may educate as well as entertain.
January 1 is the day that gifts are usually exchanged between parents and
children; however, do it on a day that fits your schedule and that of your
family. However, January 1 may work well since it is a holiday for most
people.
There are many sites on the Internet where you can buy African gifts and we
have listed some links below. Here are some suggestions of what might make for
creative and Kawanzaa-worthy gifts!
- African music—instruments and CDs
- Art including masks, paintings, sculptures and more
- Housewares like pillows, linens, placemats, ceramics decorated with
African art
- Jewelry made in Africa or that represents African American heritage
- A "family tree" how-to for people to use to trace their
ancestors
- Fashions for kids and adults
- Books on African history, art, celebrities, photo guides, travel and
others
Here are some "shopping" links to assist you:
Have a good time!
The Party Girl
Return to Holidays
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