Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
Kwanzaa has seven core principles
(Nguzo Saba):
Umoja (Unity),
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination),
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility),
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics),
Nia (Purpose),
Kuumba (Creativity) and
Imani (Faith). It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–67.
Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with art; colorful African cloth such as
kente, especially the wearing of
kaftans by women; and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice,
Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa. The holiday greeting is "Joyous Kwanzaa."
A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors (red, black and green), a discussion of an African principle or chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance, and, a feast (
karamu). The greeting for each day of Kwanzaa is
Habari Gani?, which is Swahili for "What's the News?"
Please join Multicultural Student Affairs at the 24th annual Kwanzaa Celebration tomorrow night,
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Student Center. This year, we will celebrate by honoring the principles of Kwanzaa and feature “The Meeting,” a play detailing the lives and philosophies of human rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. There will also be an African dance performance (NC State African Student Union-Botewa) and a Karamu (feast). All are welcome!
Please
see the flyer for this event and come join the celebration!
[Source: Wikipedia; Kwanzaa]
