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Kwanzaa is celebrated by African-Americans, as well as other African descendants all over the world. It takes place just before the new year. Kwanzaa is a time of reflection and celebration for one's family and community. Participants are encouraged to consider how they can make themselves better people and the world a better place. ... more »
Benne cakes are a popular snack cookie that originated in Africa, where the benne seed (or sesame seed as it is known in America) comes from. It is enjoyed year round in Africa, and is especially popular in America during the Kwanzaa celebration. Benne seeds are said to be eaten for good luck, so eating these cakes during Kwanzaa,... more »
No Kwanzaa meal is complete without some delectable vegetable side dishes, and fried okra is a soul food favorite that is sure to please any diner. Pep it up a bit with the addition of a spicy pepper and your Kwanzaa guests won't forget your enjoyable fried okra recipe. more »
Akara is the name given to a fritter made out of black-eyed peas, and which are a popular snack in different parts of Africa, especially Nigeria. It is often used as an appetizer here in the United States during special celebratory meals, such as the elaborate dinners that usually accompany the celebration of Kwanzaa. more »
Millions celebrate Kwanzaa every year from December 26 through January 1. Kwanzaa is a celebration that recognizes and reinforces the culture and community of African peoples throughout the Diaspora. Along with the ceremonial aspects of Kwanzaa, a feast with family and friends recognizes the first fruits of the harvest. Jollof rice is... more »
African Americans since 1966 have celebrated Kwanzaa (Swahili for "first fruits"), honoring...
Americans love holidays and celebrate them for reasons varying from religious observation to...
Kwanzaa is celebrated by people all over the world of African descent on the dates of December 26th through January 1st. In order to prepare for... more »
Unlike most holidays, Kwanzaa has neither religious nor political origins. Rather, it was the invention of one man, Dr. Maulana Karenga of Los... more »
Fasting is a great way to gain discipline, restore your faith and uplift your spirit. People also fast before Kwanzaa to cleanse the body and... more »
How you decide to dress for Kwanzaa depends on the type of activity you're doing, where you're going and how involved you are in the history and... more »
The week-long celebration of Kwanzaa pays tribute to African-American heritage. Taking place form December 26 to January 1 each year, it... more »
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States honoring African heritage and culture, marked by participants lighting a kinara (candle holder)."Why Kwanzaa"> It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year, primarily in the United States.
Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Ron Karenga and was first celebrated from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967.
History and etymology
"Kwanzaa Date"> Although the historical Juneteenth The African American festival had been celebrated since 1867,http://www.juneteenth.com/ Karenga said his goal was to "...give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." p. 21 The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits". The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s.
Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the black nationalist movement of the 1960s, and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of "African traditions" and "common humanist principles."
The first Kwanzaa stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service on October 22, 1997 at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, California. In 2004 a second Kwanzaa stamp, created by artist Daniel Minter was issued which has seven figures in colorful robes symbolizing the seven principles.
During the early years of Kwanzaa, Karenga said that it was meant to be an alternative to Christmas, that "Jesus was psychotic", and that Christianity was a white religion that blacks should shun."karenga1967">"levine2006"> Howeve read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
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