Zawadi: Gifts - On the seventh day of Kwanzaa, gifts are given to encourage growth, achievement, and success. Handmade gifts are encouraged to promote self-determination, purpose, and creativity.
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The History, Principles, and Symbols of Kwanzaa. A woman celebrates Kwanzaa by lighting candles on a kinara. InterExchange Staff InterExchange is proud to have an experienced team that is dedicated to international cultural exchange. Tweet Share Email. Diversity Holidays Culture. Special Interest. Menu National Today. Log in Sign up. Heri Za Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is an African American and pan-African seven-day cultural holiday that celebrates family and community.
During the holiday, families celebrate with feasts, music, and dance, and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the seven principles. Kwanzaa timeline. Public Policy Polling finds that Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that celebrates culture, life, and unity, introduced by Dr. Maulana Karenga in What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja unity , Kujichagulia self-determination , Ujima collective work and responsibility , Ujamaa cooperative economics , Nia purpose , Kuumba creativity , and Imani faith. What are Kwanzaa traditions? Some Kwanzaa traditions include wearing traditional African clothing, letting a child light the candle for each of the seven days, and decorating your home with the symbols of Kwanzaa. How to Observe Kwanzaa Get in the spirit with African decor No holiday is complete without decorations!
Learn some Swahili Swahili is a language spoken throughout Africa and therefore unites all who celebrate Kwanzaa. Pick up a drum Many families celebrate Kwanzaa by playing music and singing cultural African or African-American songs. It has grown in popularity Kwanzaa lasts for seven days and since its inception in , the holiday has grown in impact within the African American community and is recognized as an official holiday — other countries, like Canada, Jamaica, and Brazil, have gained interest in Kwanzaa but don't celebrate it to the extent as America does.
The colors of Kwanzaa The colors of Kwanzaa are black for the people, red for the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa. Why Kwanzaa is Important It promotes unity Kwanzaa was birthed as a response to the Watts riots, which occurred as a reaction to longstanding racial injustice in America.
It's for the culture Kwanzaa is considered a cultural holiday rather than a religious celebration, meaning that even if you participate in Kwanzaa festivities, you can still celebrate the winter holidays that fall under your religion. Three of the seven candles are red, representing the struggle; three of the candles are green, representing the land and hope for the future; and one of the candles is Black, representing people of African descent. Some families who celebrate Kwanzaa dress up or decorate their homes in those colors.
Homemade and educational gifts are encouraged. In order to avoid over-commercialization, gifts handed out to family members on the last day of Kwanzaa are often homemade. Alternatively, some participants buy books, music, art accessories or other culturally themed products, preferably from a Black-owned business. The response to this phrase should be whichever of the seven principles is associated with the current day.
Do you plan to celebrate with a feast? Perhaps try including this curried Kwanzaa stew. Skip to main content. The Origins, Meaning, and Traditions of Kwanzaa. By The Editors. November 1, Related Articles Holidays.
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