How to Explain the Origins of Kwanzaa

Explain the origins of Kwanzaa to your family and friends before the celebration occurs. While others are bustling with Christmas, Hanukkah and New Years, you can dig deep within yourself, enlightening your mind to the culture of your ancestors. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African family, culture and community and a beginning step in acquainting all Africans from around the world with their original heritage.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Study the origins of Kwanzaa in the harvest celebrations in Africa. In 1966, California State University professor Dr. Maulana Karenga decided to introduce an African tradition that had been recorded in various forms since the times of ancient Egypt and Nubia. This tradition was known as a "first fruit" celebration, which is where Dr. Karenga got the name (Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili).
2. Explain that Kwanzaa is derived from the five fundamentals of the continent of Africa. These fundamentals are: ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment and celebration. Dr. Karenga established seven fundamentals; them Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
3. Describe the fact that Kwanzaa retains characteristics from many different tribes. It attempts to bring all of these African cultures together, reuniting the heritage shared by all people of African descent.
4. Point out the struggles, victories, separations and achievements your African ancestors have been through in order to allow you to live as you are living today. Taking time to honor and appreciate these ancestors is part of the celebration of Kwanzaa.
5. Discover your rootedness in African culture. Kwanzaa stresses the importance of reconnecting to your roots and origins. You should explain to your children the rich history they have in the world.

Tips & Warnings

• Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and ends on January 1.
• Each of the 7 days of Kwanzaa is devoted to a different principle.