How to Practice Imani During Kwanzaa

Imani is defined as faith, which in turn is defined as a belief in and an unwavering trust and loyalty to a person, object or deity. Kwanzaa understands faith as believing wholeheartedly in your people, leaders, parents, teachers and the ultimate virtue of the fight for justice. Many celebrators during Kwanzaa take the seventh day, Imani, to reflect on their own individual faiths and spirituality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Practice Religious Imani During Kwanzaa

1. Form a small group of other believers of the same religious faith as you and your family. Plan a time each day to pray together, either physically or just at the same time. This will foster a more spiritual sense during the Kwanzaa season.
2. Reflect on all that has happened in your life and to what purpose you may have been created. Explore deep within yourself your relationship to the center of your individual religion. If God is your center, then use this time to be closer to God.

Discover Other Ways to Practice Imani During Kwanzaa

3. Believe in the goodness and growth in your people. Kwanzaa teaches that you must learn to trust one another before you can expect the world to trust you. Living by example is an important beginner step.
4. Trust your parents and your community leaders. They have the experience that you need. By showing obedience in most matters, even those that you do not yet understand, you are proving your willingness to trust elders and experts.
5. Stand in your righteousness and the victory of your struggle. You must have a passion for the issues that plague your community most. You must be willing to stand in your convictions to improve the quality of life not only for your supporters of African decent, but to improve the quality of life for all people of the world.
6. Know in your heart and soul that the seven principles of Kwanzaa really do strengthen and celebrate family, community and culture.

Tips & Warnings

• The practice of Kwanzaa is intended to be a communal regular celebration that reaffirms the bonds of the African community.
• The word "Kwanzaa" literally translates as "first fruits."
• Kwanzaa lasts from December 26 to January 1. Aside from faith, there are six other principles of Kwanzaa, with 1 day devoted to each. They are unity (day 1), self-determination (day 2), responsibility (day 3), cooperative economics (day 4), purpose (day 5) and creativity (day 6).
• Remember that Kwanzaa was not created to replace Christmas or other religious holidays.