Thread by @JamesPeppersalt

It's almost Kwanzaa season again, so I wanted to take some time to educate some people on what Kwanzaa is, how it's celebrated, and why I think more people in our community should celebrate it! THREAD below

Kwanzaa, called Kwanza in Africa, is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. There are seven days of Kwanzaa, one for each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, and seven candles for each day/principle (we'll get to that).

Kwanzaa was first officially recognized in the United States when it was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It comes from "matunda ya kwanza", or "first fruit" festivals, in Swahili. These are celebrated in southern Africa during Dec/Jan.

The most recognizable symbol of Kwanzaa is the kinara. THIS IS NOT A MENORAH, which is a
Chanukkah symbol. While the menorah has nine candles, the kinara holds seven for each of the days/principles; 3 red, 1 black, 3 green. They can come in many creative designs! Examples:

The nguzo saba, seven principles, are umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work/responsibility), ujaama (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Each one represents a day of Kwanzaa and a candle is lit for each

The black candle is lit first and represents umoja. The rest as lit left to right. The red represent kujichafulia, ujaama, and kuumba; the green represent ujima, nia, and imani. However, I've seen other interpretations/orders!

There are also many symbols of Kwanzaa!

Two of the symbols are the kinara and mishuuma saba (seven candles) which we discussed previously. The first of the others is the mkeka, a mat upon which the symbols are placed. Though not exclusively, they're often made of kente cloth

This is not to be confused with the flag, bendera. Each color has a special meaning: black for the people, red for the struggle, and green for hope for the future.

(Disclaimer for the above: these colors were coined as the national colors for African people worldwide by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican activist, who is a very controversial figure in African history; however, they are still very common in African flags, art, and symbolism.)

Next is the mahindi, corn, and mazao, crops. The crops represent the harvest and hard work, while the corn represents our children and our future.

The kikombe cha umoja, the cup of unity, represents... unity! Umoja/unity is the first day of Kwanzaa and the basis for all of the principles of Kwanzaa. Each person drinks from the cup to represent this unity.

Next is zawadi... gifts! Yes, kwanzaa is a gift-giving holiday. Gifts are given out of the seventh day (in some traditions, the sixth). These gifts are meant to be handmade gifts or books (buying from small black-owned businesses counts too!)

And of course, there is karamu, the feast. This happens on the sixth day, December 31st. This is different for each family, of course, just like any holiday feast! Traditional attire is often worn, and traditional African, Carribean, etc foods prepared.

KWANZAA FAQs:

Q: Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday?

A: NO! It is meant to celebrate African culture, which covers a wide range of religions

Q: Can you celebrate other holidays and Kwanzaa?

A: Yes. While some choose not to, which was the original intent, you can still observe other holidays such as Christmas, Chanukkah, or New Year's, and many do!

Q: Is Kwanzaa only for African-Americans?

A: NO! It is a pan-African holiday celebrated worldwide.

Q: How can I learn more about Kwanzaa?

A: Good questions. Here are some helpful links:
theholidayspot.com/kwanzaa/sevend…

officialkwanzaawebsite.org

And a disclaimer, I am basing this off my OWN experiences and understanding of Kwanzaa; other people & cultures have different traditions. However, I hope with this, more people can come to understand what Kwanzaa is, and come to celebrate it in their own way!

And although it's a bit early... Joyous Kwanzaa, everyone!