What Is Done on the First Day of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, which means "first" in Swahili, is an African-American spiritual holiday created by Dr. Moulana Ron Karenga during the Civil Rights era in 1966. The celebration lasts for seven days and is not a religious celebration. Instead, it is meant to unite black families and communities in a common goal and purpose while celebrating African-American roots. The celebration begins on December 26.
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Preparation
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The person in charge of the Kwanzaa celebration -- which might be the member of the family, a spiritual leader or the owner of the home where the family plans to gather -- should prepare for the celebration prior to everyone getting together. Preparations can be made on December 26 or any day prior. The person in charge should gather all of the symbolic items used during the Kwanzaa celebration and set them out. This includes the Mkeka (straw mat) and the kinara (seven-candle candelabra), which should be placed in the center of the mkeka. Place seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) in the kinara in black, red and green. Place one muhindi (ear of corn) to represent each child in the family on either side of the mkeka. Arrange the zawadi (gifts), Kikombe Cha Umaja (unity cup), tambiko (soil and water) and a basket of fruit on the mkeka. Hang a flag for black liberation facing east if you desire.
Gathering
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The family or congregation should gather at the predetermined celebration spot. The person in charge should open the celebration by saying "Habari Gani," which means "what's the news." The group should respond with "Umoja," which means "unity" and is the first principle of Kwanzaa. The others principles replace "umoja" on their given days.
A member of the family or group may offer a prayer before the group gestures "let's pull together," or "Harambee." Raise the right arm with the hand open and close the hand when pulling it down seven times. Focus on family togetherness by sharing a special meal and reviewing the symbols of Kwanzaa.
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Candles
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A child should light the first black candle on December 26, which symbolizes the skin of his people. The other candles should be red, which represents courage and blood, and green, which represents the land and harvest. The candles should be blown out at the end of the gathering, and lit again the next day. Two candles are lit on the 27th and three on the 28th, adding another candle every day until January 1, when all seven candles are lit.
Umoja
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Ask each member of the group to share what umuja means. Kwanzaa focuses on family and community unity. Share stories, proverbs, folktales, riddles and family history. Focus on the triumphs and learn from the mistakes of the past. Umoja gives you the opportunity to rekindle your unity and remember the things you've done together that bring you joy. Play music and sing together. Close the day with a prayer.
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References
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