What do the 7 days of Kwanzaa mean?
The seven-day period of Kwanzaa is meant to be a time of celebration, reflection, affirmation and connection. Though it is rooted in African traditions, it is not solely recognized, studied or celebrated by people of color.
What is Kwanzaa and why is it celebrated?
Kwanzaa is an annual holiday celebrated primarily in the United States from December 26 to January 1. It emphasizes the importance of the pan-African family and corresponding social values. Kwanzaa peaked in popularity during the Afrocentrist movement of the 1980s and 1990s.
What are the 7 principles of Kwanzaa and what do they mean?
The seven principles (nguzo saba) of Kwanzaa utilize Kiswahili words: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani). Each of the seven candles signify the principles.
What are the 7 days of Kwanzaa called?
On each night, a candle is lit to observe the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The 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 is Kwanzaa food?
Main dishes are always the highlight of dinner. For your Kwanzaa meal, try African creole, Cajun catfish, jerk chicken, or Groundnut stew, a tasty dish from West Africa. For your side we’ve got many traditional Kwanzaa recipes, including Jollof rice, collard greens, Kwanzaa slaw, grits, beans and rice, and okra.
What is the proper greeting for Kwanzaa?
During the celebration of Kwanzaa, it is customary to greet friends and family with the Swahili phrase, “Habari gani”, meaning, “What is the news?” To respond, answer with the principle of the day. (Umoja, for example, is the response given on December 26th.)
What country did Kwanzaa originate from?
Although Kwanzaa is based on ancient and modern celebrations in Egypt and Southeastern Africa, the Kwanzaa holiday as we know it today was started in the United States. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach after the Watts Riots in Los Angeles.
What is Kwanzaa known for?
Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage.
What do you wear to Kwanzaa?
Many people celebrate by decorating their home in African art as well as the traditional Kwanzaa colors of green, black, and red. They may also wear traditional African clothing. Women may wear a colorful wrap called a kaftan. Men may wear a colorful shirt called a dashiki and a hat called a kufi.
What is Kwanzaa kid friendly?
In the African-American culture, Kwanzaa is a holiday that honors tradition and deepens children’s understanding of their heritage. It’s also a lot of fun—seven days of food, music, dancing, creativity, and other family activities.
How many days until Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa begins on Sunday, December 26, 2021 and ends on Saturday, January 1, 2022.
What are the names of the 7 days of Kwanzaa?
The seven days of Kwanzaa which are said to be the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa ( Cooperative Economics ) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity)
When is the last day of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African-American culture. Kwanzaa lasts for seven days; it starts on December 26th, and ends on New Year’s Day.
Does anyone actually celebrate Kwanzaa?
Anyone and everyone can celebrate Kwanzaa, but it’s very important that anyone who joins in remembers that Kwanzaa was created by black people for black people. It is about black and pan-African empowerment. This meaning has to stay intact, regardless of who decides to join in festivities.