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I know many pple dont know anything about Kwanzaa and that's ok! It is a fairly new holiday and there is much to learn about celebrating it so this thread will be talking about it and its impact!
First off! Kwanzaa was introduced in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga, a professor at California State University who sought to fill the gap left by the U.S between African Americans and their diaspora.
Taking inspiration from the many different Harvest celebrations happening across the African Continent, he made a celebration that celebrated the Family and community unit, and raised up the 7 principles of Kwanzaa.
The Word Kwanzaa and all of the Language used in celebrating it, From the 26th of December to the 1st of January is Swahili, Kwanzaa itself being the word for First representing the first fruits of the harvest season.
There are several items usually used in celebrating the Holiday that make a repetitive appearance each night. The first being the 7 candle holder: the Kinara, 3 red, 3 green and the center black candle. And the Mkeka, a place mat, on which you put your candles, and harvest!
An ear of corn for each child in the family unit if any, or a single ear for All children in the Black community. Fruit for joy and fruitful collective work, And a cup or goblet for Unity.
Each Day You facilitate a conversation on the Principle of the Day, you call out to your family 'Habari Gani!' or What is the news! To which you will reply with the principle of the day, on the 26th that word is Umoja, or Unity!
All subsequent days of Kwanzaa takes the previous days principles and adds them on top of the current day. The 27th of December celebrates 'Kujichagulia' The power of the African people to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
