CELEBRATE KWANZAA
With drumming, singing and storytelling this musical production entertains, inspires, and informs the community about Kwanzaa.
ABOUT KWANZAA
Based on harvest and planting ceremonies in Africa, Kwanzaa (which means first fruits) was created as an African-American celebration by Dr. Ron Karenga of California in 1966. It is celebrated seven days and nights, December 26 through January 1st. Each day, one of the seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of African tribal traditions is celebrated as a candle on the kinara (candleholder) is lit.
During Kwanzaa, people in the community get together and celebrate in some of the following ways: drumming and dancing performances; poetry-reading; storytelling; sharing information about our African and African-American ancestors; honoring the elders of the community; learning about the principles and how they can be practiced throughout the year; feasting (Karamu); gift-giving (Zawadi); and many creative activities.
The language of Kwanzaa is called Swahili. This language is spoken throughout the Eastern part of Africa, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and some parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The principles are celebrated on the following days:
December 26.....Umoja (the black candle in the center is lit)
December 27.....Kujichagulia (a red candle is lit)
December 28.....Ujima (a green candle is lit)
December 29.....Ujamaa (a red candle is lit)
December 30.....Nia (a green candle is lit)
December 31.....Kuumba (a red candle is lit)
January 1.....Imani (a green candle is lit)
On the last day of Kwanzaa, parents give their children gifts as rewards for good behavior and work. The people get together and drink from the Unity Cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja) and shout HARAMBEE!! (Let's pull together!!)
The colors of Kwanzaa are: red, symbolizing the blood of our people which has been shed for freedom; black symbolizing the faces of African people; and green, symbolizing hope and fruitfulness.
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