Kwanzaa Theme Ideas for Children
When trying to raise awareness about diversity in the classroom or at home, you may wish to highlight Kwanzaa as an example. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 and is meant to celebrate African American heritage in an all-encompassing fashion. Utilize Kwanzaa themes for your next party or get together and take the opportunity to explain the holiday to your kids.
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Kwanzaa Colors
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With every Kwanzaa theme, you can use of the traditional Kwanzaa colors. There are three colors used for Kwanzaa that represent the African flag: green, black and red. The colors are used to strengthen a connection to African culture and history. They are used in decorations and in the candles that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa which include unity, self-determiniation, cooperative economics, collective worth and responsibility, purpose, faith and creativity.
Kwanzaa Gift Bags
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Get in touch with the Kwanzaa sprit with holiday inspired gift bags themed after traditional gifts. Traditional Kwanzaa gifts consist of books, posters, cards, educational music and heritage symbols like African dolls, artifacts, and artwork. Books are given to stress the importance of the African value of learning.
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Kwanzaa Food
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Food is also an important part of the Kwanzaa celebration. Traditionally, a family feast is held on the last day of the holiday. This reflects the importance of community and feasting in African culture. Traditional foods include sweet potatoes, sesame seeds, peanuts, and any food that originated in Africa. Most recipes can be modified to fit the appetites of all children. See Resources for recipe ideas.
Kwanzaa Decorations
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Kwanzaa decorations revolve around handmade, non-purchased items that reflect and reinforce African culture. Think about crafts that can be made with ready-made materials for children, like mancala games that use marbles or beads, colorful paper garlands, and foil ornaments. Have children help decorate with traditional colors and symbols. By using their own creativity, children will be celebrating one of the main principles of Kwanzaa, "kuumba" or creativity.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Africa image by Allyson Kitts from Fotolia.com
