Kwanzaa, An African American Alternative Christmas: How Ghanaians Can Learn From It

How are you all doing today? December is the last month of the year and a lot of events happen in this month. Celebrations of different names and dimensions are celebrated by many people in accordance to one's religious beliefs and other factors. In America, many of our African American brothers and sisters have a celebration that we will like to share with you. It is called KWANZAA.

According to the official website of the man who put the 7 day celebration together with inspirations from African ideas,values, tenets, festivals, protocols and procedures, Dr. Maulana Karenga, he has the following as what Kwanzaa is:

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.

Moreover, given the continued rapid growth of Kwanzaa and the parallel expanded discussion of it and related issues, an authoritative source which aids in both framing and informing the discussion is likewise of the greatest importance. Therefore, the central interest of this website is to provide information which reveals and reaffirms the integrity, beauty and expansive meaning of the holiday and thus aids in our approaching it with the depth of thought, dignity, and sense of specialness it deserves.

The holiday, then will of necessity, be engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture. It is within this understanding, then, that the Organization Us, the founding organization of Kwanzaa and the authoritative keeper of the tradition, has established and maintains this website.”

Interesting as it sounds, it has resemblance to what we have been doing in Ghana during Christmas festivities and other family gathering except that in this one, there is more particular attention paid to what is to be done. Important ideas and inspirations we can learn from are the 7 principles of the celebration. In the article below culled from a website of a KWANZAA celebration committee in Washington DC, it educates us on what to do during the 7 days.

Greeting – Greet each other in Kiswahili asking “Habari Gani?” (What's the news or what's happening?) and answer with the principle for that day. For example, on December 26th, respond with “Umoja.” (“Happy Kwanzaa” is not a Kwanzaa greeting”)

Economic Empowerment — Only shop at Black-owned businesses during the seven days of Kwanzaa. In the spirit of Kwanzaa and Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) we as African people should support these same Black businesses, such as those advertised in the Kwanzaa Calendar and Resource Guide, all year round.

Fasting — Fast from sunrise to sunset to help cleanse the body, discipline the mind, and uplift the spirit.

Libation (Ancestral Communion) — A elder or leader should pour libation, using water or juice, from the Kikombe into a bowl or potted plant, to honor our ancestors.

Candle Lighting Ceremony — Light one Mishumaa (candle) each day for the principle of that day, beginning with the black candle, which represents the first principle Umoja. Each day thereafter, alternately light the red and then the green candles. After each lighting, discuss the principle of the day. The ceremony should be held at a time when all family members, especially children, can participate.

Zawadi (Gifts)— (They should not be mandatory, expensive or excessive). It is suggested that Zawadi be given to the children in one or two ways:

1. One gift each day, reinforcing the principle of that day.

2. One or more gifts on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa.

Personally made gifts are strongly encouraged over commercial purchases. Regardless of what else is given, there are two strongly suggested items: a book and heritage symbol. These two items reinforce our commitment to

education and the richness of our cultural heritage.

Karamu (The Feast) — The Karamu is usually held on the night of December 31st, and should be a festive occasion. When possible, observe traditional African practices, e.g., African music, dance and storytelling, sitting on the floor or on pillows, and eating with the hands (no utensils). Libation, Candlelighting and Harambee are conducted at the Karamu.

The essence of Kwanzaa is a true appreciation of ourselves as Black People, collectively coming together to reflect on and enjoy the infinite beauty of being in the same family, organization, and community, sharing the same

values, interests and aspirations, engaging in and committing to the same collective prosperity.

FURTHER READING: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml