What do the 7 days of Kwanzaa mean?
The seven-day period of Kwanzaa is meant to be a time of celebration, reflection, affirmation and connection. Though it is rooted in African traditions, it is not solely recognized, studied or celebrated by people of color.
What religion is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a strictly secular holiday. Although its seven-pronged kinara bears a resemblance to the eight-pronged Jewish menorah, it has no connection to Judaism. And although Kwanzaa is celebrated immediately after Christmas, it is neither related to nor intended to supplant the Christian holiday.
What are the 7 principles of Kwanzaa?
Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
What is Kwanzaa and why is it celebrated?
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st, and culminates in gift giving and a big feast. The holiday is relatively new, compared to other holidays celebrated in the U.S. Dr.
Do you give gifts at Kwanzaa?
The holiday is also filled with storytelling, music, food, and, of course, gifts! The gifts are generally given among family members on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1, and are typically creative, artistic, and often handmade items that focus on African heritage and promote the betterment of the Black community.
What do you eat for Kwanzaa?
Main dishes are always the highlight of dinner. For your Kwanzaa meal, try African creole, Cajun catfish, jerk chicken, or Groundnut stew, a tasty dish from West Africa. For your side we’ve got many traditional Kwanzaa recipes, including Jollof rice, collard greens, Kwanzaa slaw, grits, beans and rice, and okra.
Does Kwanzaa believe in Jesus?
During the early years of Kwanzaa, Karenga said it was meant to be an alternative to Christmas. He believed Jesus was psychotic and Christianity was a “White” religion that Black people should shun.
What food is eaten on Kwanzaa?
Catfish, collards, and macaroni and cheese all began showing up on Kwanzaa tables, as did jerk chicken, gumbo, accras (Caribbean fritters) and feijoada — foods of the Atlantic rim expressive of the geography of the African diaspora. Kwanzaa food, at its simplest, is any dish people cook for Kwanzaa.
What do you eat on Kwanzaa?
How do I start celebrating Kwanzaa?
To create your own Kwanzaa table, you will want to:
- Cover your table with your favorite African cloth.
- Place a mkeka, or mat, on the table.
- Center your kinara on the mat, with candles ready to light.
- Arrange your “first fruits” around the kinara.
- Place artisan-made gifts on the table.
What foods are eaten on Kwanzaa?
What do you wear for Kwanzaa?
There is no official dress code for Kwanzaa celebrations. Some are very casual while others may be formal. As a quick guide, follow these suggestions. Ladies and girls, regardless of age typically wear vibrant caftans or robe-like dresses of various lengths.