Kwanzaa: the forgotten holiday…

Ah Christmas. It’s what December is all about. For a month the whole world is into overly decorated trees surrounded by gaudily wrapped presents. Well, not quite the whole world. While Christmas might be what we’re obsessed with in these parts there are tons of other holidays out there that millions of people celebrate. One of these is Kwanzaa.

Celebrated extensively in America and Africa, Kwanzaa’s a non-religious holiday that runs from December 26 to January 1. It was established in the US in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement in the 60s as a means of uniting Africans of different religious faiths to celebrate their culture together and keep their traditions alive.

The festivities are based on the first harvest celebrations of Africa. The principles of Kwanzaa are reaffirming the bonds of community: commemorating the past, reverence and thanks to the creator for the beauty of the world and celebrating the goodness of life, family and culture.

So, what does celebrating Kwanzaa actually entail? It has the usual routine of a meal and giving gifts but there is added meaning behind the ritual.

The table is set with the Mkeka (a mat that symbolises the foundations of the tradition). On top of the Mkeka goes the Kinara, a candle holder that holds seven candles. These candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa and come in three colours; black for the people, red for their struggle and green for the future. The first candle to be lit is the black candle placed in the centre that represents the principle of unity. The red candles stand to the left and are lit on the following days with the green to the right coming last. They are lit in this way to show that the people come first, followed by their struggle and hope. Also placed on the Mkeka are ears of corn and crops for community and the Unity cup in remembrance of the ancestors.

Gifts are usually given to children but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is for the traditional value of learning and the symbol to reaffirm the commitment to history.

The last day of Kwanzaa falls on New Year’s Day and is a time for meditation and reflection – something we all could stand giving a go while we’re recovering from the party of the night before.