Happy Kwanzaa!
Many people don’t know much about this holiday, but its history and meaning are, to me, both fascinating and inspiring. Celebrated during the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s as a way to build unity and to help Black communities celebrate themselves and their history.
“Kwanzaa thus came into being, grounded itself and grew as an act of freedom, an instrument of freedom, a celebration of freedom and a practice of freedom.” — Maulana Karenga
Karenga drew inspirations from traditions all over Africa, including the Asante people of West Africa and the Zulu people of South Africa. The name itself comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” (First fruits festivals are an ancient celebration in South Africa similar to Thanksgiving here in the United States.)
Every holiday has its symbols, from the Valentine’s heart to the four-leaf clover of St. Patrick’s Day, and the buckled pilgrim hat of Thanksgiving to the Christmas tree. Kwanzaa is no exception. In fact, there aresevensymbols traditionally displayed during the holiday, each representing a different aspect of African culture. Those symbols include:
1. Mkeka: Place Mat. This is typically made of straw but can be a fabric or paper. It represents the foundation of African traditions and history. Kwanzaa symbols are placed upon it.
2. Mazao: The Crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables). This represents traditional African harvest celebrations and shows respect for the people who labor to grow them.
3. Vibunzi: Ear of Corn. Corn represents African children and the promise of their future. One is set out for each child in the family. For families without children, one ear is set out to represent the children of the community.
4. Kinara: The Candleholder. This represents the original stalk from which all African ancestors came; it holds the seven candles.
5. Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles. Each candle represents the principles of Kwanzaa, including unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, purpose, creativity, and faith. The candles are traditionally red, green and black. Black represents African-American people and their unity; red, the struggle of African people; and green for hope in the future.
6. Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup. This represents the first principle of Kwanzaa, the unity of family and the African people. The cup is used to pour the libation (water, juice or wine) for family and friends.
7. Zawadi: Gifts. Gifts represent the labor of parents and the rewards of their children. Gifts include books, art, or educational toys, and are intended to enrich children and their understanding of their heritage.
Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa or not, the holiday is a chance for all of us to reconnect with our past, give thanks for the present, and look forward to the future. So, on behalf of Tina, Kara, and myself, we wish you and yours a very happy Kwanzaa!