New Delhi: It is possible that most of us have not heard about Kwanzaa or do not know about it. While it is normal to not be aware about certain things, it is important that we explore this annual celebration of African-American culture. Kwanzaa takes place from December 26 to January 1 and involves the Karamu, a feast which usually takes place on the sixth day. In this article, we will explore the origin of this celebration and the significance it holds in the African-American culture.
How did the Kwanzaa celebration originate?
In 1966, Maulana Karenga came up with the name and the celebration of Kwanzaa. It must be noted that Karenga at that time was a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach and was a noted person when it came to Afrocentrism. From ‘matunda ya kwanza’, a Swahili phrase, Karenga took the word ‘kwanza’ which means ‘first’. He added a extra ‘a’ to kwanza so that the world would have one letter for each of the seven children who were there at an early celebration. The Kwanzaa concept is based on Southern African first-fruits celebrations.
The aim of Karenga was to establish an African-American holiday and to give the Black community a chance to celebrate their own history instead of imitating another festival. He established Kwanzaa as a cultural revolution to give the Black community purpose, direction and identity. Once upon a time, Karenga reportedly called Christianity a ‘White religion’ and urged Black people to shun it. However, he later changed his stance and stated that Kwanzaa was not an alternative religious holiday or religion.
What is the significance of Kwanzaa?
Celebrated by millions of Africans all over the world, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message and awareness about what it means to be African. In the African community, Kwanzaa has immense significance. It reflects the best of African thought and practice and upholds the African culture in front of the world.
The celebration of Kwanzaa revolved around The Seven Principles which is mainly known as Nguzo Saba. These seven principles are all Swahili words and each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles. The seven principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and lmani (Faith). Moreover, Kwanzaa has seven symbols and they are fruits, vegetables, and nuts; a candleholder; a straw mat; gifts; ears of corn; a communal cup which signifies unity and seven candles in green, black and red which symbolises the seven principles.
How is Kwanzaa celebrated?
During Kwanzaa, families decorate their homes with African objects and cloth like kente and fresh fruits. Children are a mandatory part of Kwanzaa ceremonies and they pay their respect to their ancestors. Music is played along with a candle-lighting ritual and artistic performance as people look back on the history of Africa and the Black community. On December 31, people gather for a feast known as Karamu. There is a day in the end when people reflect and recommit to The Seven Principles and other central cultural values.
Kwanzaa, a week-long African-American cultural celebration, originated in 1966 with Maulana Karenga. Rooted in Swahili and Southern African harvest traditions, it centers on seven principles promoting unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility within the Black community. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
