Quick Study: What Is The Meaning Of Kwanzaa ?

Celebrations for the 45th anniversary of Kwanzaa have already begun, which may seem odd at first (since its not an over-hyped shopping holiday), but given that the recession is widening economic gaps between Blacks, the need for a non-commercialized, culturally unifying time of reflection may be urgent.

Kwanzaa was born of the Black Liberation Movement of the 60’s. Dr. Maulana Karenga, co-founder of theOrganization Us, developed the seven-day holiday to align with the organization’s seven principles, Ngozu Saba, and to promote its philosophy of reaffirming and restoring the “best of” African thought and practice.

Its name is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruit” (It is said the second “a” was added to the holiday spelling to create symmetry between the word length and the number of principles), and it is stressed that it is not a religious ceremony, rather a culturally inclusive one.

In fact, ingathering is a major theme: The language of Kwanzaa, Swahili, was chosen because it is widespread across the mother continent and has a lack of tribal association.

It is now celebrated by millions around the world (though no accepted survey has been conducted, estimates range from approximately 5 million to as many as 30 million), and Dr. Karenga and his wife have presided over hundreds of ceremonies.

While there is not much formalization of how the week is spent, it is centralized by the principles – Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith) – each given a dedicated day and candle lighting beginning every year on December 26 and ending January 1.

A kinara (or, “candle holder”) with seven candles – one black, the first to be lit, to represent the people; three red to represent the struggle; and three green to represent the prosperity – placed upon a mat and an African cloth, and flanked with at least two ears of corn to represent the communal harvest tradition and a Unity cup from which to pour libration are the only symbolic requirements. No gifts necessary. But, it is recommended that the final day is a sober meditation, asking: Who am I? Am I really who I say I am? Am I all I ought to be?

Considering most of us may be in the midst of an intoxicating New Year’s Eve celebration the night before, it might just be a good idea.

 Sia Tiambi Barne

Sommaire 2011