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December
26th - Umoja (unity)
A day to strive for unity, not only within the family, but the
community, nation and race as a whole. It's reflected in the African
saying "I am We" or "I am because We are."
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| Sampling
the gastronomic delights |
December
27th - Kujichagulia (self determination)
A day to find out more about yourself in terms of defining
yourself and speaking up for yourself, as opposed to being defined
by others and having others speak for you. It's a chance plan a
positive future and make sure that dream becomes a reality.
December
28th - Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
It encourages people to build and maintain the community as
a team and to help solve people's problems together.
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| A time
to reflect |
December
29th - Ujamaa (co-operative economics)
A pledge to develop local African businesses and to support
them, to maintain shops, stores and industry that contribute to
the well-being of the community and to drive out businesses (boycott,
etc.) that take from the community and give nothing back.
December
30th - Nia (purpose)
On the fifth day people pledge to build and develop their communities,
schools and families. The day also aims to ensure the traditions
of the people are passed down the generations.
December
31st - Kuumba (creativity)
A day to make the community more beautiful, either by working
on the home or using creative talents to benefit the young.
January 1st
- Imani (faith)
On the final day the new year is celebrated by a pledge to firmly
believe in the African people, parents, teachers and leaders and
in the greater good of the work done with, and for, one another,
for the community and for the people.
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| Lighting
the candles which are held in the Kinara |
Celebrating
Kwanzaa
Over this seven day period the house should be decorated in
the colours associated with Kwanzaa- red, green and black.
Streamers, balloons
and cloth should be of these colours while the displaying of original
arts and crafts is also encouraged.
Black represents
the face of the African people, red, the blood they have shed over
the centuries and green shows the hope and colour of the motherland.
When lighting
the candles (Mishumaa Saba) on the candle holder (kinara), the black
candle is lit first as this represents the first principle Umoja
(Unity). Second to be lit is the red candle to the immediate left
of the black candle (second principle, Kujichagulia). On the third
day, the green candle to the immediate right of the black is lit
and so on for the 7 days.
Food
Traditional recipes play an important part in Kwanzaa. Food
like are all likely to find their way onto the festival table.
The feast
of Karamu
One of the big events of the week, Karamu is held on December
31st. It's a communal event designed to bring everyone closer to
their African roots. It begins with a welcoming, then during the
feast, time will be taken to tell stories about previous generations,
recommitment to the community and concludes with a farewell statement
calling for greater unity.
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