KWANZAA
Kwanzaa
(kwahn-ZAH) is an annual cultural observance, which
is recognized by Black people from December 26 thru January 1,
each year:
- Kwanzaa is
non-political.
- Kwanzaa is
non-religious.
- Kwanzaa is not
related to Christmas.*
* Annual Kwanzaa observances begin
on December 26th, each year]
THE
HISTORY OF KWANZAA
The concept of Kwanzaa was formulated, devised, developed and initiated by
Dr.
Maulana Ron Karenga,
on
December 26, 1966.
Dr. Karenga created
Kwanzaa, based upon
the premise of
Kawaida:
"that social revolutionary
change for Black America can be achieved by the act of revealing and disclosing
individuals to their cultural African heritage."
THE
MEANING OF KWANZAA
Kwanza (pronounced
kwahn-ZAH) is a Swahili word that
translates into English as "first."
Swahili to English Dictionary
Query Results for "kwanza"
kwanza
adj, first. (< anza V).
kwanza adv,
in the beginning. (< anza V).
..
SOURCE: The
Kamusi Project
Kwanzaa [note the
extra letter "a"], is a word that was created by Dr. Maulana
Karenga, who derived the meaning of the word "Kwanzaa" from the phrase
"matunda ya kwanza"
tunda translates as "fruit" [singular]
matunda translates as "fruits" [plural]. "matunda ya
kwanza" literally translates as: "Fruits of the Beginning" Transliteration:
"First Fruits".
--
Esco Babatunde II <worldco@earthlink.net>
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Kwanzaa was inspired by the
"matunda ya kwanza", i.e. "first fruits" celebrations, on the
continent of Africa.
THE
SYMBOLS OF KWANZAA
- MAZAO
= THE CROPS
These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards
of productive and collective labor.
..
- MKEKA
= KWANZAA MAT
This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the
foundation on which we build.
..
- KINARA =
KWANZAA CANDLE HOLDER
This is symbolic of our roots, our parent people -- continental
Africans.
..
- MUHINDI
= CORN
This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.
..
- MISHUMAA SABA
= KWANZAA CANDLES
These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of
Kwanzaa,
the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to
live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own
image and according to their own needs.
..
- KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA
= UNITY CUP
This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity
which makes all else possible.
..
- ZAWADI
= KWANZAA GIFTS
These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the
commitments made and kept by the children.
Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and
a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and
tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage
symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition
and history.
SUPPLEMENTAL KWANZAA SYMBOLS:
- The
Kwanzaa Flag
is based on the
colors of the BENDERA, AFRIKAN LIBERATION FLAG,
which was adopted by the Honorable Marcus Garvey as national colors for
African people all over the world.
..
- NGUZO SABA POSTER
Poster of The Seven
Principles of
Kwanzaa.
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RED =
Blood shed by Black people.
BLACK =
Black people.
GREEN =
Land which belongs to Black people. |
THE
FOCUS OF KWANZAA
Annual Kwanzaa
observances serve to reinforce manifesting the
principles of Kwanzaa, as a way of life, on a daily basis - by
reflecting on the past, in order to understand the present and plan for the
future.
Kwanzaa
centers around seven (7)
principles, with particular emphasis on the
social, political, economic and cultural needs of Black people.
The Seven Principles of
Kwanzaa are called the
Nguzo
Saba,
which represent the
living practices which helped and inspired our African ancestors to endure
oppression, under the unjust global system White Supremacy [functional
Racism].
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
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HARAMBEE!!!!
"Let's pull together"
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