I received a lot of inboxes today about my Kwanzaa post... Below is just some basic information that should give you a better understanding about the celebration. HOTEP !! Principals of Kwanzaa Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, I am We, or I am because We are. Theme 2 Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community. Theme 3 Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Theme 4 Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Theme 5 Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. Theme 6 Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Theme 7 Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. The Nguzo Saba of the seven days of Kwanzaa: Day 1. Umoja means unity. Day 2. Kujichagulia means self-determination. Day 3. Ujima means working together. Day 4. Ujamaa means supporting each other. Day 5. Nia means purpose. Day 6. Kuumba means creativity. Day 7. Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves. The 7 symbols of Kwanzaa Mazao—corn: Symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor. Mkeka—woven mat: Symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build. Kinara—candle holder: Symbolic of our roots, our parent people—continental Africans. Muhindi—corn: Symbolic of our children and our future which they embody. Mishumaa Saba—the seven candles: Symbolic of the Nguzo Saba (7 principles), the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs. Kikombe cha Umoja—unity cup: Symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible. Zawadi—gifts: ( Hand made is strongly suggested) Symbolic of the labor and love a parent has for their child( dren ). 7 Secondary Principles of Kwanzaa I. NGUZO SABA (En-GOO-zoh Sah-BAH) Symbolizes the seven principles of Kwanzaa which were developed by Maulana Ron Karenga. The Nguzo Saba are social principles dealing with ways for us to relate to each other and rebuild our lives in our own images. II. BENDERA YA TAIFA The flag of Black Nationalism symbolizes the struggle of Liberation. The Red represents the blood of our ancestors; Black is for the collective color of all Black people, and Green reminds us of the land, life and new ideas we must continue to strive to obtain. III. TAMBIKO Symbolizes the libation by which honor is given in a special way to our ancestors and a call to carry out the struggle and the work they began. It clearly symbolizes the recognition of and respect for the contributions of those before us, our history and the models it offers us to emulate. IV. HARAMBEE Symbolizes a call to unity and collective work and struggle. The word means Lets pull together! V. HABARI GANI Whats the news; whats happening Swahili term used when greeting others. VI. KWAHERI Swahili term used as an expression of parting with good wishes and an expectancy to meet again. Kwanzaa Glossary • Kwanzaa noun, African-American cultural holiday. • bendera noun, flag, banner. • bendera ya taifa phrase, flag of the Black nation. • gani pronoun, what. • harambee noun, cooperative society. • habari noun, news. • Habari gani? phrase, Whats the news? • imani noun, faith. • karamu noun, banquet, feast. • kikombe noun, cup. • kikombe cha umoja phrase, unity cup. • kinara noun, candlestick. • kiswahili noun, Swahili (ki- (language) + swahili (the Swahili region)). • kujichagulia noun, self-determination. • kuumba noun, creativity. • kwanza adjective, first. • Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri! phrase, May your Kwanzaa be happy! (also translated as) Happy Kwanzaa! • matunda noun, fruit. • matunda ya kwanzaa phrase, first fruits. • mazao noun, produce (fruit, nuts, etc.). • mkeka noun, mat. • mishumaa saba phrase, seven candles. • mshumaa noun, pl mishumaa, candle. • muhindi noun, maize plant (corn). • nia noun, purpose. • nguzo noun, basis, principle. • nguzo saba phrase, seven principles • nzuri adjective, good. • Nzuri Kwanzaa phrase, Good Kwanzaa • saba adjective, seven. • swahili adjective, of the Swahili people or region. • taifa noun, nation, tribe. • tambiko noun, offering, libation. • ujamaa noun, cooperative ecomonics. • ujima noun, neighborhood cooperation, collective work and responsibility. • umoja noun, unity. • ya adjective, of. • zawadi noun, menento, present, gift. The information comes from different books I picked up over the years.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:23:00 +0000