History of our Holidays: Celebrating KwanzaaDate: 12/12/2018 SPRINGFIELD – Continuing on our series recognizing the traditions and holidays celebrated across the community, Reminder Publishing spoke with Ayanna Crawford, Public Relations and Media Professional for AC Consulting and Media Services, about Kwanzaa. Crawford, who is coordinating the upcoming Kwanzaa Celebration at Muhammad Mosque #13 in Springfield on Dec. 27, explained the cultural roots of Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated today.
History
Kwanzaa is an African American cultural celebration developed in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and Chairman of African American Studies at California State University. It is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Following the Watts riots in 1965, Karenga sought ways to unite the African American community. Crawford explained, “It was developed out of the black power movement that was giving blacks self respect, dignity and cultural identity to create a cultural holiday that would claim and promote pride in one’s self of African American descent.”
Kwanzaa has roots in Africa and is similar to the first fruit celebrations that are observed there during the month of December. Kwanzaa shares similarities to the African celebrations of the Ashanti and the Zulu. Crawford shared, “Dr. Maulana Karenga desired to create a way to expand the cultural expression and pride of African Americans, whose journey to America was in the bottom of slave ships in chains as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean.” The result was Kwanzaa, which united the culture as one.
Swahili language in Kwanzaa
Swahili plays a large role in Kwanzaa. The word Kwanzaa itself comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza” which translates to “first fruits.” Crawford described the important role the language has in the celebration. “It is the official language for Kwanzaa and has been since Dr. Karenga created this holiday. Words like Habri Gani (meaning ‘what’s the news of the day’) and Jambo (meaning ‘hello’) and many other words as well as the Principals in Kwanzaa are in Swahili.”
Symbols
There are seven symbols of Kwanzaa. One of these symbols is the Mkeka, meaning mat. The Mkeka is placed in a chosen area of the home and remains there for the length of Kwanzaa. Crawford explained, “Just as the crops stand on the Mkeka, the present day stands on the past. The Mkeka symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for people to stand on and build their lives.” The second symbol, the Kinara, or candleholder, is placed upon the Mkeka. Crawford shared, “The Kinara represents our ancestry and the original stalk from which we came.”
The third symbol, Mazao, meaning crops, is represented on the Mkeka by placing nuts, fruits and vegetables upon it. The fourth symbol, Muhindi, meaning ear of corn, is also placed upon the Mkeka. One stalk of corn is to be placed on the Mkeka for each child in the family. Crawford shared the significance of Mazao and Muhindi on the Mkeka. “Mazao symbolizes the fruits of collective planning and work, and the resulting joy, sharing, unity and thanksgiving part of African harvest festivals. For Muhindi, the stalk of corn represents fertility and the idea that through children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life.”
The fifth symbol, Mishumaa Saba, meaning the Seven Candles, are placed on the Kinara. There are three red candles, three green candles and one black candle. Crawford explained, “Candles are ceremonial objects that serve to symbolically re-create the sun’s power, as well as to provide light.”
The sixth symbol, the Kikombe Cha Umoja, or Unity Cup, is represented on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. A libation ritual is performed to honor the ancestors. Crawford shared, “Every family member and guest will take a drink together as a sign of unity and remembrance.”
The seventh and final symbol of Kwanzaa is Zawadi, or gifts, which represents the giving of gifts. Gifts are given in order to encourage growth, achievement and success and handmade gifts are encouraged for the promotion of self-determination, purpose and creativity.
Values and Principles
Those who celebrate Kwanzaa recognize the Seven Principles. The Seven Principles are Umoja (Unity,) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination,) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility,) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics,) Nia (Purpose,) Kuumba (Creativity,) and Imani (Faith).
Each day of Kwanzaa represents a different principle. Each principle should be observed and discussed on the day that candle is lit. The black candle represents Umoja and is lit on the first day of Kwanzaa. The three green candles are placed to the right of the black candle and the three red on the left. The green candles represent Nia, Ujima and Imani. The red candles represent Kujichagulia, Ujamaa and Kuumba. The candles are typically lit in this order: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani.
There are several traditions shared across families in regard to who lights the candle each night. Some families allow the youngest child to light the candle, while some choose the elder of the family. In some families, a different family member lights the candle each night of Kwanzaa. Before lighting the Kinara, permission is asked of the elder of the family or community to begin. As Crawford stated, “Kwanzaa stresses the importance of honoring our elders in the ceremonies.”
Traditions and Modern Celebration
Celebration of Kwanzaa includes observation of the Seven Principles. Traditional African and African American food is served and African music and dancing is encouraged. Traditional African dress is worn. Giving honor to elders and reading of a libation statement are also important in celebration. A traditional red, black and green color scheme is used in decorations.
Crawford shared “Kwanzaa is celebrated worldwide with over a million people from America to overseas – especially in the Caribbean. Many communities and cities celebrate a day celebration or the seven days as a community, with the red, black and green decorations and festive celebration with music, dance and poetry, speakers, drummers, libation statement, and traditional foods. It is also celebrated in homes with families and the youth - with great pride and leadership given to the children/youth in terms of their expression of the principles.”
The Meaning of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa weaves together culture, strength and family. Crawford is proud to celebrate with her family every holiday season.
“Kwanzaa is a way to bring the community together, family, to reflect on the past year and set new goals for the coming year in hopes of building togetherness and wholeness with the African American community and America as a whole.”
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