Kwanzaa

What's it all about?

Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. - Jose@seaspot.com

"Isn't that, that 'African-American' holiday," some ask? "Was it started in Africa or the United States," others inquire. "Is it a legitimate holiday, if we don't get the day off" a few joke. Well, like most things in life Kwanzaa and its seven principles for each day following Christmas and leading up to New Year's Day are as legitimate as we make them in our lives.

The seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa (A Swahili term meaning First Fruits), according to research and most accounts, lead us to Dr. Ron Maulana Karenga and his United Slaves organization in 1966. The then revolutionary, now living and teaching as head of the African-American Studies Department at Long Beach State University in California, adopted the seven principles of some of Africa's harvest celebrations. Karenga reportedly understood that many U.S. Blacks do not live in agricultural settings following migrations from the south, but the symbolic principle of growth from harvest and growth in the community provided a stable ground to build and celebrate community involvement and recognition.

The legitimacy of Kwanzaa is a typical debate, being that our United States conformist attitude desires most citizens, especially those of color to drop anything that encourages cultural and ancestral pride or things unfamiliar to the U.S. mainstream. However, Kwanzaa, contrary to what many people think is not an exclusive or divisive celebration in nature. Some may adopt a divisive attitude, but in general Kwanzaa is a celebration of human life principles that are naturally, African as well. Additionally, Kwanzaa serves as an alternative to the commercial onslaught that the Christmas holiday has 'suffered'. Being that so many U.S. citizens are living at a challenging economic level to say the least, is one reason why Kwanzaa's presence has become so significant. Moreover, with the youth violence, misdeeds by business leaders, cuts in school budgets for arts and talent outlets and the disunity in our nation, hopefully those willing to look closer will recognize the significance and symbolism in the seven days between Christmas and the New Year that some of us recognize as Kwanzaa.

Still recently, there has been an ever-increasing wave of anti-Kwanzaa propaganda from journalists, skeptical scholars and opinion leaders who cite reasons to avoid these seven days of principle. From personal attacks on founder, Dr. Maulana Karenga's questionable past (of which, I studied in college) to the legitimacy question, some writers have attempted to thwart the celebration's validity. However, this writer thinks that 'we' should do our own research (thoroughly of course), test the errors and successes and come to our own conclusions rather than simply listen to opinions and so-called 'leaders.' Additionally, one man's history is a laughable reason to question great principles. As one will come to find out, the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are great to celebrate for seven days, but are most effective if applied 365 days a year.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

1. The Seven Principles or "Nguzo Saba" symbolize seven days for which each is dedicated to a principle. Beginning on December 26th the day of "Umoja" (OO-MO-JAH) which means Unity, begins. This day emphasizes the principle of togetherness in the family and the community, reflecting an attitude of "We are greater than me" and "I am, because We are."

2. The second day of Kwanzaa, celebrates "Kujichagulia" (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) or Self Determination. This day is symbolic of the requirement to be self-defining, not letting others determine your life's path. Also, significant on this day is the decision-making, which reflects the interests of our family and community growth and progress.

3. On December 28th, we celebrate "Ujima" (OO-GEE-MAH) or Collective Work and Responsibility. This is a great day to remind of us of our obligation to the past, present and future of the world - not only us as people. This great day signifies our role in the community, society, world and redirects our selfish attitudes of "I am not a role model" and requires us to think of such statements in a more thoughtful, generous and "us" oriented fashion.

4. The fourth day of our Kwanzaa celebration is dedicated to "Ujamaa" (OO-JAH-MAH) or Cooperative Economics. This is related to making money together, with honor and cooperation. We often struggle with financial education and stability, which is why Ujamaa focuses on meeting our common needs via support and education. Corporate leaders involved in the selfish Enron and Worldcom scandals could stand to learn from this great principle.

5. The 30th of December is the day of "Nia" (NEE-YAH) or Purpose. The day of purpose encourages us to look in the mirror daily and examine our lives to set personal goals that are beneficial to the family, community and others around us. It (Life and the Earth) is always greater than one of us.

6. "Kuumba" (KOO-OOM-BAH) or Creativity is celebrated on New Year's Eve. This is the day of energizing, fostering and celebrating our creative spirit. In studying Indigenous cultures, one will immediately realize that the items seen as "art" today had a much greater purpose than to simply look and marvel at. From the "Ohm" to the "Hieroglyphics and tombs of Egyptians" art has always been more than a commodity to the indigenous peoples (and those who appreciate them and do not see Indegenous people as 'savages') of earth. Something to think about during Kuumba and the rest of the year.

7. Finally on New Years Day, we celebrate "Imani" (EE-MAH-NEE) or Faith. Faith brings us to focus on honoring our past, traditions of the ancestors and faith calls us to draw upon the best in ourselves, and our ancestors. Faith provides us with the intangible quality of inner-strength to strive for humanity, life and love on a higher level. We do this by seeking and affirming our self-worth and the confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in our daily challenges and struggles - whatever they may be.

Symbols of Kwanzaa: The Meaning

In celebrating Kwanzaa, we utilize specific items, which are quite significant to our joyous time spent together. Here is a list of meaningful items to the celebration:

• The Kinara - Candle Holder for seven candles.

• Mishumaa Saba - Candles. Three Red, Three Green, and One Black candle.

• The Mkeka - Placement Mat, preferably made of straw. This is used to place items upon as part of the Kwanzaa ceremonies.

• The Mazao - Crops and Vegetables - isn't it neat how the Native American term for corn, "Maize" and Mazao are spoken with similarity? We are all connected, somehow! "Vibunzi", or ears of corn, represent the number of children in the household.

• Kikombe Cha Umoja - Communal Unity Cup, passed to each individual who participates in the opening blessings and words of inspiration and thankfulness each day.

• Zawadi - Gifts that are enriching. Again, the days of Kwanzaa do not emphasize material items or materialism. It should be reiterated that gifts given during Kwanzaa "should" have a greater meaning and/or purpose, than necessarily a pricetag.

Kwanzaa Customs: What Do We Do?

During Kwanzaa, there are some important traditions and ways that we meet, greet and celebrate with each other. When we greet each other, we begin the day saying, "Habari Gani" (HAH-BAR-EE GAH-NEE) or What's the News? To respond to this question and greeting, we respond by stating the particular day that we are celebrating. For example, "Kujichagulia!" would be the response on December 27th.

Fasting and eating healthy is not unusual during Kwanzaa, as a means of cleansing the mind, body, soul and spirit.

A bit more about Kwanzaa: For The Detail-Oriented Folks...LIKE YOU!

Karamu - The Traditional Kwanzaa Feast, usually held on New Year's Eve. This dinner is to be held early in the evening (beginning between 3pm-6pm). Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort, requiring participation from all members of the household from cooking, serving and setting - this means no watching the game while the ladies prepare dinner - FELLAS! Ceremonies and cultural expressions are certainly welcome and encouraged during Karamu as an effort to unite us in language, spirit and love in honor of our African roots. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the room on the floor, where food shall be set and available for self-service.

Traditionally, Karamu involves welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and call for greater unity amongst our people.

Suggested Format for Karamu By Dr. Maulana Karenga

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory remarks and recognition of distinguished guests and all Elders. Cultural expression (songs, music, group dancing, poetry, performances, and unity circles).

Kuumba (Remembering)
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.

Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena(Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.

Kushangilla (Rejoicing)
Join together and communicate. Seek positive topics and outlets to focus on.

Tamshi La Tambiko (Libation Statement) as follows:
If you did not realize, 'pouring out a lil' liquor' for 'the dead homies' or 'those who could not be here' is nothing new - CHECK THE TRADITIONS AND YOUR HISTORY. YOU WOULDN'T BE HERE WITHOUT IT!

Libation Statement

It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions. Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction of the four winds; north, south, east, and west. It should then be passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.

For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.