HABARI GANI(Whats the news) Facebook family. Today is the first day of Kwanzaa. I honor and embrace Kwanzaa. The principles are not just for December 26-January1 but throughout the year. I will post the principles during the seven days. If possible find a community celebration to attend or think about hosing one yourself. Today the principle is, UMOJA-unity. May we endeavor to remember and practice UMOJA in our lives and communities. The Principles of Kwanzaa Umoja (oo-MOH-ja) Meaning: unity Action: building a community that holds together Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Meaning: self-determination Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Meaning: collective work and responsibility Action: helping others within the community Ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) Meaning: cooperative economics Action: supporting businesses that care about the community Nia (nee-AH) Meaning: a sense of purpose Action: setting goals that benefit the community Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Meaning: creativity Action: making the community better and more beautiful Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Meaning: faith Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future Colorful Celebrations Families gather for the great feast of karamu on December 31. Karamu may be held at a home, community center, or church. Celebrants enjoy traditional African dishes as well as those featuring ingredients Africans brought to the United States, such as sesame seeds (benne), peanuts (groundnuts), sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spicy sauces. Especially at karamu, Kwanzaa is celebrated with red, black, and green. These three colors were important symbols in ancient Africa that gained new recognition through the efforts of Marcus Garveys Black Nationalist movement. Green is for the fertile land of Africa; black is for the color of the people; and red is the for the blood that is shed in the struggle for freedom. The Seven Symbols Celebrants decorate with red, black, and green as well as African-style textiles and art. At the heart of Kwanzaa imagery, however, are the seven symbols. The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa Kikombe cha umoja Meaning: the unity cup Action: Celebrants drink from this cup in honor of their African ancestors. Before drinking, each person says harambee, or lets pull together. Kinara Meaning: the candleholder, which holds seven candles Action: It said to symbolize stalks of corn that branch off to form new stalks, much as the human family is created. Mazao Meaning: fruits, nuts, and vegetables Action: These remind celebrants of the harvest fruits that nourished the people of Africa. Mishumaa saba Meaning: the seven candles that represent the seven principles Action: A different candle is lit each day. Three candles on the left are green; three on the right are red; and in the middle is a black candle. Mkeka Meaning: mat Action: The symbols of Kwanzaa are arranged on the mkeka, which may be made of straw or African cloth. It symbolizes the foundation upon which communities are built. Vibunzi (plural, muhindi) Meaning: ear of corn Action: Traditionally, one ear of corn is placed on the mkeka for each child present. Zawadi Meaning: gifts Action: Traditionally, educational and cultural gifts are given to children on January 1, the last day of Kwanzaa.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:32:06 +0000
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