Why do celebrate kwanzaa

Upon that mat, they place other meaningful items, including assorted fruits and vegetables to symbolize their collective labor at the harvest, ears of corn to represent their children, and a candle holder that stands for a shared African heritage. A black candle is placed in the center of the holder, flanked by three red candles to the left and three green candles to the right. Families and communities gather each day to light a candle and reflect on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa , or Nguzo Saba in Swahili.

On December 26, the holiday kicks off with a meditation on unity umoja , followed by the principles of self-determination kujichagulia , collective work and responsibility ujima , cooperative economics ujamaa , purpose nia , creativity kuumba , and faith imani. On the first day, the black candle at the center of the holder is lit to represent all people of African descent.

On the penultimate day of Kwanzaa—which falls on December 31—celebrants typically hold a banquet, or karamu. Filled with music and dancing, this feast is a time to rejoice and renew commitments for personal growth in the year ahead. Families often give children small gifts on this day or on the last day of Kwanzaa. The holiday struggled for recognition in its early years, writes historian Elizabeth Pleck in the Journal of American Ethnic History.

Although some urban communities adopted it, many Christians and Muslims viewed the secular holiday as antithetical to their beliefs. Yet Kwanzaa continued to spread by word of mouth and, as it did so, the holiday became known as a celebration of Black family life. In the late s and early s, Kwanzaa broke into mainstream Black culture with features in influential magazines. Rather than replace Christmas, though, most people began to see Kwanzaa as a way to supercharge their holiday season.

Kwanzaa became widely recognized in the s and s. In , Bill Clinton issued the first U. Postal Service issued its first Kwanzaa stamp. By the s, however, media outlets such as the Associated Press and the Root were reporting that fewer Black families were celebrating Kwanzaa. See 13 destinations for African-American history and culture. The muhindi are the ears of corn which represent the offspring children of the stalk parents of the house.

The zawadi gifts represent the fruits of the labor of the parents and the rewards of seeds sown by the children. During the celebration of Kwanzaa, it is customary to greet friends and family with the Swahili phrase, "Habari gani", meaning, "What is the news? Umoja, for example, is the response given on December 26th.

Fasting, or abstaining from food, is often done during Kwanzaa, as a means of cleansing of the mind, soul, and spirit. The candlelighting ceremony, central to the celebration of Kwanzaa, takes place at a time when all members of the family are present.

Children are encouraged to take an active role in all activities. While pouring, the elder makes a statement honoring departed family members for the inspiration and values they have left with descendants. The Root. Talk Back: Featured Topic Seven interesting facts about Kwanzaa Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage.

Kwanza celebrated its 50 th Birthday in The holiday was created by Dr. The Number Seven There are 7 Principles and 7 Primary Symbols that emphasize a unique set of values and ideals during the 7 days of Kwanzaa… also spelled with 7 letters. Umoja is Unity With over languages spoken on the African continent, Kwanzaa adopted one of the many unifying languages, Swahili, which is spoken by millions on the African continent. A Universal Message Kwanzaa is rooted in African culture, however, people from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed to join in the celebration.

Providing Support for PBS. The holiday also has made inroads with the U. Postal Service, which has issued Kwanzaa stamps since But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Live TV.