Joyous Kwanzaa 2009
As many in the world wind down from Christmas celebrations on December 25, the weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa begins on December 26. Kwanzaa is held in the United States to honor universal African heritage and culture.
Kwanzaa 2009 participants light a candle holder called a kinara. The seven days of celebration including lighting candles, libations, gift giving and a feast. The Kwanzaa holiday was created by Ron Karenga. The first Kwanzaa celebration occurred from December 26, 1966 to January 1, 1967.
I am honored to be born in 1967 when Kwanzaa was first celebrated. In fact, my birthday takes place during Kwanzaa on December 28. The name Kwanzaa is derived from a Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means first fruits of the harvest.
Wikipedia reports Kwanzaa creator Ron Karenga stated that his goal was to, "give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society."
The first Kwanzaa postage stamp was issued by the US Postal Service in 1997. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are wonderful for everyone to consider with the New Year upon us:
- Umoja (Unity):
- Kujichagulia (Self-Determination
- Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
In 2009, a documentary about Kwanzaa was released entitled The Black Candle. The informative, celebrative documentary is by M.K. Asante Jr. and narrated by Maya Angelou. For more info about this celebration of family, community and culture, visit the Official Kwanzaa website.
Habari Gani! (meaning what's the news and a traditional Kwanzaa greeting.) Here is a YouTube video about Kwanzaa traditions, customs and music and the Kwanzaa movie trailer for The Black Candle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TUjSkuEZLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_tElo8mndY
Published by Stacey Doyle
Freelance writer, veteran's wife and mom with a background in finance, law, marketing and management. View profile
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