KWANZAA: A celebration of heritage and principles

By Charreah Jackson

Knight Ridder/Tribune

A cultural reaffirmation, Kwanzaa celebrates the heritage of African-Americans between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Neither religious nor political, the holiday has more than 18 million participants worldwide. Each day of the weeklong event focuses on one of the traditional seven guiding principles, and includes a program with candles, libation and gift-giving. Since its founding in 1966 by Maulana "Ron" Karenga, Kwanzaa has allowed those in the African diaspora worldwide to re-connect with their roots each year. "Kwanza" means "first fruits of the harvest" in Swahili, and the celebration derives from Africa. To differentiate the American holiday, an extra "a" was added to the word. Some point out the second "a" also gives Kwanzaa seven letters, which is a reflection of the seven-day holiday.

SEVEN GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Umoja (ooh-MO-jah). Unity: Dec. 26

The African sayings "I am We" and "I am because we are" encompass the importance of unity, as Umoja reinforces the necessity of togetherness. Participants pledge to maintain unity in their families, community, nation and all people.

2. Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah). Self-Determination: Dec. 27

Kujichagulia focuses on the need to define self for self. The principle also encourages participants to create for themselves, as well as name and speak for their own selves.

3. Ujima (oo-GEE-mah). Collective Work and Responsibility: Dec. 28

The third day of Kwanzaa calls for help in solving problems and the rebuilding of communities. All are challenged to work together to help others.

4. Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah). Cooperative Economics: Dec. 29

Entrepreneurship and community support are highlighted, such as the need to support local businesses that give back, in order for the well-being of the community.

5. Nia (NEE-yah). Purpose: Dec. 30

Nia looks to the future in trying to build a strong foundation for children to carry on a tradition of community.

6. Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah). Creativity: Dec. 31

Along with the challenge to make homes and communities better than they were found, Kuumba also calls for the use of creative talents in helping youth.

7. Imani (ee-MAH-nee). Faith: Jan. 1

The final day of Kwanzaa and the first day of the new year, Imani enters the year believing in the good in people, our family, dedicated leaders and the community.

THE KWANZAA FEAST

Karamu, or the Kwanzaa Feast, is traditionally held on Dec. 31. The event is the biggest of the holiday as ceremonies and cultural presentations are included. The decorations are black, red and green. Along with a big feast, song, dance and other entertainment, the program includes the reading of the Tamshi la Tambiko, or Libation Statement.

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.

THE COLORS AND CULTURE

With black for the people, red for the struggle and green for the future, the Kwanzaa colors are important to the celebration's tradition. The single black candle in the kinara, which holds seven candles to represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa, is lit on the first day. Three red candles are added, one on each day, and are placed to the left of the black candle. The three green candles are placed on the right of the black candle, lighting an additional candle each day. Each day of Kwanzaa you first light the black candle, then light the candles left to right. The green candles burn last, signifying that the people come first, then the struggle and finally hope for their future.Though it is not religious, Kwanzaa still is a gift-giving occasion, though presents are mainly for children. Books and a symbol of heritage are always included as a gift, reinforcing the value of learning and African traditions.

KWANZAA CRAFT

Official Kwanzaa decorations include traditional African baskets, art, the kinara, harvest items, the unity cup and a mat, called a mkeka, which is placed on top of a beautiful piece of cloth. Though the mkeka is usually straw, making Kwanzaa mats is an easy and fun project.

Materials

Black, red and green construction paper

Scissors

Tape

Ruler

Directions

1. Cut four red and four green construction paper strips 1 inch wide by 8 inches long

2. Make a frame by cutting out a piece of black construction paper 8 inches wide by 10 inches long.

3. Cut seven lines in the black frame paper, leaving about 1 inch for a border all the way around the mat.

4. Alternate between red and green, weaving strips going over and under the black mat frame. Be sure to secure the border at the ends of each strip with the tape.

5. To complete your mat, decorate it with crops, like corn. Or, for a really cool mkeka, glue a paper kinara on top with popcorn kernels for candle flames.

-- Familycrafts.about.com

COMMEMORATIVE STAMP

In 1997 Kwanzaa was recognized with a commemorative postal stamp for the first time. At the stamp release event on Oct. 22, 1997 at the National History Museum in Los Angeles, founder Maulana Karenga said, "(Kwanzaa) speaks a special message of Africa not only to Africans but to all people concerned with reaffirming family, community and culture, and in realizing that essential purpose of life, constantly bringing good in the world."

TERMS AND PHRASES TO KNOW

Habari gani?: The official Kwanzaa greeting meaning, "What's the news?" The appropriate reply is the day's principle.

Karamu: Kwanzaa's feast, traditionally held on Dec. 31.

Kikombe cha umoja: Communal unity cup, used to celebrate those who have created the path down which we now walk.

Kinara: Candle holder, which holds seven candles, representative of the seven days of Kwanzaa.

Kushangilla: Rejoicing; part of karamu celebrations.

Kutoa Majina: Calling out the names of family ancestors and black heroes; done after libation poured and libation statement read.

Mazao: Crops, fruits and vegetables, symbolic of the rewards of a productive community.

Mishumaa saba: The seven candles: one black, three red and three green.

Mkeka: Mat on which the kinara and other symbols stand.

Muhindi/Vibunzi: Ears of corn, which reflect the number of children in the household. (Though even if no children are present, some ears should be presented on the mkeka, to represent the community's children.)

Ngoma: Drums played during karamu celebrations.

Tamshi la Tambiko: Libation statement.

Zawadi: Meaningful gifts given during Kwanzaa.