Kwanzaa, is the African American holiday that is celebrated every December 26 to January 1 and this year's theme is "Practicing the Culture of Kwanzaa: Living The Seven Principles".
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. It also has seven basic symbols and two supplemental symbols.
2015 is a year of Imani (Faith). Imani people are considered be the "Wise Ones." They project a degree confidence that lets everyone know they are in charge. They seek to establish authority, which means they are experts at getting things done, because an ironic aspect of their good character is a willingness to let others lead the way, or share leadership and responsibility. Imani people are Shangoesque (royalty) in their ability to project "I KNOW."
The coming year promises to be one where those who have been perceived as saintly will be exposed to be less than they have been portrayed to be. Whole foundations may be shaken as heads will roll like balls rolling downhill. Many of the "accused" will rise like a phoenix from the seeming ashes of despair. They will withstand persecution and heal both themselves and society that lays in wait to judge them.
Kwanzaa is not actually a religious holiday, and it does not replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a professor of Black Studies, in 1966. It was really designed to celebrate the values of the ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress.
Kwanzaa celebrates seven principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. It also has seven basic symbols and two supplemental symbols.
- BASIC SYMBOLS: Crops, Mat, Candle Holder, Ear of Corn, Seven Candles, Unity Cup, and Gifts
- SUPLEMENTAL SYMBOLS: Flag and Poster
2015 is a year of Imani (Faith). Imani people are considered be the "Wise Ones." They project a degree confidence that lets everyone know they are in charge. They seek to establish authority, which means they are experts at getting things done, because an ironic aspect of their good character is a willingness to let others lead the way, or share leadership and responsibility. Imani people are Shangoesque (royalty) in their ability to project "I KNOW."
The coming year promises to be one where those who have been perceived as saintly will be exposed to be less than they have been portrayed to be. Whole foundations may be shaken as heads will roll like balls rolling downhill. Many of the "accused" will rise like a phoenix from the seeming ashes of despair. They will withstand persecution and heal both themselves and society that lays in wait to judge them.
Kwanzaa is not actually a religious holiday, and it does not replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a professor of Black Studies, in 1966. It was really designed to celebrate the values of the ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress.
The Holiday, Kwanzaa, is based on the year-end harvest festival that has taken place traditionally throughout Africa for thousands of years. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the African language of Swahili and the phrase "Matunda ya Kwanza," which means "first fruits of the harvest." Karenga, specifically chose this phrase from Swahili because the language is used by the various tribes and people located throughout Africa.
Part of the celebration is a great feast called of Karamu which family's celebrate on December 31. Karamu may be held at the home, community center, or church. Family's that celebrate with a Karamu enjoy traditional African dishes as well as those featuring ingredients Africans brought to the United States, like Sesame Seeds (benne), Peanuts (groundnuts), Sweet potatoes, Collard Greens, and spicy sauces.
Especially at the Karamu meal, Kwanzaa is celebrated with red, black, and green colors. These three colors were very important symbols in ancient Africa and they hold great significance for Africans. Green is for the fertile land of Africa; black is for the color of the people; and red is for the blood that is shed in the great struggle for freedom.
Each day one of the candles in the candle holder (Kinara) is lit. Each candle represents one of the seven symbols, as well as being symbolic of African gods.
For more information on Kwanzaa visit ww.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
Here is a Kwanzaa African Stew Recipe you can try out with the family!
Here is a Kwanzaa African Stew Recipe you can try out with the family!
