The History of Kwanzaa
This holiday was the brainchild of Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor in the Department of Black Studies at California State University in Long Beach. It began in 1966. Kwanzaa was started as a means for Africans, as well as African-Americans, to pay homage to their family, their community, and their culture.
After the Christmas holiday has been celebrated in the Christian world, the Kwanzaa celebration takes place from December 26 through January 1 annually. To celebrate this holiday, Africans and African-American peoples use this period of time to join together with their family and with others in their culture to strengthen the bonds that join them together. It is also a time to give veneration to their creator and creation. The participants also offer thanksgiving and praise for their many blessings.
Kwanzaa is also a special time for Africans and African-Americans to reflect on their past, and to remember and admire their ancestors and the past. It’s also a time to embrace again the utmost morals and principles of their culture so they can be the best that they can be.
Kwanzaa is also a holiday that celebrates righteousness. Righteousness in life, family, community and culture.
When Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966, the Black Freedom Movement was in full swing. The holiday helped to instill cultural values into the black people’s social standards.
Kwanzaa initiated the “Nguzo Saba” -pronounced “n-GU-zo SAH-bah”- which are also known as the “Seven Principles.” These seven standards are:
1. Umoja, which is pronounced “oo-MO-jah”, is Unity. It’s the first principle celebrated on the first day of Kwanzaa.
2. Kujichagulia, which is pronounced, “koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah”, is self-determination. It’s celebrated on the second day.
3. On the third day, Ujima, pronounced, “oo-JEE-mah”, is celebrated. It’s the third principal of collaborative work and responsibility.
4. Ujamaa, which is pronounced, “oo-jah-MAH-ah”, is cooperative economics. It’s the fourth principle that is celebrated on the fourth day.
5. Then comes Nia, pronounced “NEE-ah” which is purpose, the fifth principle.
6. Kuumba, which is pronounced “koo-OOM-bah”, is creativity. Creativity is celebrated on the sixth day. Side note- Karamu, or “kah-RAH-moo”, is held on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. It’s a substantial, celebratory feast.
7. And the seventh principle, which is the last one to be celebrated, is Imani, pronounced “ee-MAH-nee”. Imani is faith.
The colors that are shown on an African-American Unity flag are red, black, and green. These colors are also the official Kwanzaa colors. Many decorate their homes with these colors in honor of the holiday. Also, the Kinara, which is a special candleholder, is also placed in a room of the home. Seven candles stand in the Kinara. The candles stand for each of the seven principles.
If you want to find out more information about the Kwanzaa holiday, you can visit
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/ on the Internet.
