- Stillwater Public Schools
- Cultural Observances, Holidays & Events
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates African heritage, culture, and community. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st each year, culminating in a communal feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa was created in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, as a way to promote unity, pride, and cultural identity among African Americans and to connect them to their African roots. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits."
Key elements and principles of Kwanzaa include:
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Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): Kwanzaa is built around seven guiding principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, which are celebrated on each of the seven days. These principles are:
- Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, and nation.
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define and name ourselves, as well as create and speak for ourselves.
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
- Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
- Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
- Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
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Seven Symbols (Mishumaa Saba): A central tradition of Kwanzaa involves lighting a seven-branched candleholder called the kinara. One candle is lit each day to represent each of the seven principles. Three candles on the left are red, three on the right are green, and one in the center is black.
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African Drums: The beating of African drums and other musical instruments is often incorporated into Kwanzaa celebrations to emphasize the importance of African music and culture.
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Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity Cup): This cup is used to pour libations in honor of ancestors and to promote unity among family and community members. Each person present takes a sip from the cup to symbolize their shared commitment to unity and community.
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Mkeka (Mat): A woven mat, often made of straw or fabric, is used as the foundation for the other symbols and decorations placed on the Kwanzaa table.
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Mazao (Crops): Fruits, vegetables, and other foods symbolizing the harvest are displayed on the Kwanzaa table, emphasizing the principle of cooperative economics and the celebration of the earth's bounty.
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Gifts (Zawadi): On the last day of Kwanzaa, gifts are exchanged, often focusing on educational and culturally significant items. The gifts are meant to encourage growth, self-determination, and achievement.
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Art, Music, and Storytelling: Kwanzaa celebrations often include the sharing of African and African-American art, music, and stories that reflect the cultural heritage and values of the community.
Kwanzaa is a time for reflection, self-awareness, and community building. It provides an opportunity for African Americans and people of African descent to connect with their cultural roots, honor their ancestors, and strengthen their sense of identity and pride. Each day of Kwanzaa offers a chance to focus on one of the principles and engage in discussions and activities that promote these values within the family and community.