The Kwanza feast - Karamu is celebrated on December 31. There is a prescribed program to be followed when celebrating this occasion. Dr. Karenga set out the steps to be followed. These steps are the same whether the celebration is takes place in a family’s home or in a larger social setting. The following list of activities remains the basic model for this special day.
The Welcoming
The program starts with the ‘welcoming’. The ‘welcoming’ offers an introduction to the upcoming events.
The Remembering, The Reassessment, The Recommitment
Next follows the “remembering” in which everyone reflects upon their culture. After which there is the “reassessment and recommitment” in which an elder or distinguished member gives a short speech on the tenets of Kwanza.
The Rejoicing
Then comes the ‘rejoicing’ followed by the ‘libation statement’. A ‘unity cup’ is passed around to family and guests with each one taking a sip from the cup.
The names of ancestors and well-known heroes and heroines are read, followed by the beating of drums.
The Feasting
Finally, the Karamu feast begins encompassing cultural activities and ends with a final goodbye or farewell statement.
One of the most interesting facets of the Karamu feast is the libation statement. Before the cup is passed around to family and friends, the contents, usually water, is poured in four directions; east, west, north and south.
One is reminded to not only remember past generations but to reflect on future generations as well. It is a reminder to remember one’s cultural heritage and to preserve it going forward
Here are the words that are spoken during the libation part of the ceremony.
For The Motherland, the cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors, and their indomitable spirit
For the elders, from whom we can learn much.
For our youth, who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people, the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja, the principle of unity, which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator, who provides all things great and small.
Showing posts with label Karenga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Karenga. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
The 7 Principles of Kwanza
According to Dr. Karenga, the 7 Kwanza Principles were designed to solidify the values of African culture. These principles are based on family, culture and community among all African Americans regardless of their religious affiliations. Known as Nguzo Saba, these principles are the basic foundation upon which all values are reinforced and in which a solid commitment is formed.
In order to appropriately cite these principles, the officialkwanzaawebsite.org describes these 7 Kwanzaa Principles, authored by Maulana Karenga, in this way:
Umoja or Unity: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia or Self-Determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia or Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba or Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in any way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani or Faith: To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness will victory of our struggle.
Note that the 7 Principles incorporate the words first in Swahili and then English.
The 7 Kwanza Principles are also known as Kawaida, a term used to define a system of beliefs. Born out of the civil rights movement in the 60’s, Dr. Karenga felt there was a need for all African Americans to reconnect with their historical and cultural heritage.
It is also interesting to note that at the time Dr. Karenga established the USO or United Slaves Organization, better known today as Organization Us, there were seven children in this organization. Since each child wanted to represent each letter in Kwanzaa, an additional letter “a” was added at the end to acknowledge their wishes.
In order to appropriately cite these principles, the officialkwanzaawebsite.org describes these 7 Kwanzaa Principles, authored by Maulana Karenga, in this way:
Umoja or Unity: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia or Self-Determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia or Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba or Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in any way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani or Faith: To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness will victory of our struggle.
Note that the 7 Principles incorporate the words first in Swahili and then English.
The 7 Kwanza Principles are also known as Kawaida, a term used to define a system of beliefs. Born out of the civil rights movement in the 60’s, Dr. Karenga felt there was a need for all African Americans to reconnect with their historical and cultural heritage.
It is also interesting to note that at the time Dr. Karenga established the USO or United Slaves Organization, better known today as Organization Us, there were seven children in this organization. Since each child wanted to represent each letter in Kwanzaa, an additional letter “a” was added at the end to acknowledge their wishes.
History of Kwanza
The sixties was a turbulent time, especially for African Americans. A way of preserving the African American culture was needed. Dr. Maulana Karenga created a cultural holiday to be celebrated from December 26th through January 1st each year. In 1966 Kwanza was born out of a need for all African Americans, regardless of their religious beliefs, to come together and celebrate family, tradition and community.
Kwanza’s roots are derived from a Swahili term known as ‘matunda ya kwanza’ or first fruits. It has been the focus of a seven day event which not only encompasses the African tradition but is based on the Pan-African language which is primarily spoken in Africa today.
Similar to New Years, Kwanza represents the passing of one year and the welcoming of another to come. It is a time of reflection when African heritage is remembered. During ancient times, African harvest or first fruit celebrations comprised five functions which included: the reaffirmation or “ingathering” of people to bond together, giving thanks to the creator, recognizing and honouring ancestors, honouring cultural values and celebrating life as a family, a community and existence as a people.
In addition, within the Kwanza history are Seven Principles also known as Nguzo Seba which are part of the seven-day celebration. When African Americans reinforce the values rooted in their ancient culture.
To commemorate this special holiday, a Kwanza setting is placed in a central part of one’s home in which seven symbols are utilized to represent the values of the African culture and serve as a reminder of one’s commitment to family and community.
Kwanza is a time of reflection that is celebrated by African Americans worldwide. It is a time in which ancient traditions are revisited and the rich history of the African culture is renewed through the reassertion of family values and community. It is a holiday in which every African American is afforded the opportunity to acclaim their heritage and to reaffirm their commitment to the ancient bonds which serves to strengthen their own identity in particular and as part of the world community in general.
Kwanza’s roots are derived from a Swahili term known as ‘matunda ya kwanza’ or first fruits. It has been the focus of a seven day event which not only encompasses the African tradition but is based on the Pan-African language which is primarily spoken in Africa today.
Similar to New Years, Kwanza represents the passing of one year and the welcoming of another to come. It is a time of reflection when African heritage is remembered. During ancient times, African harvest or first fruit celebrations comprised five functions which included: the reaffirmation or “ingathering” of people to bond together, giving thanks to the creator, recognizing and honouring ancestors, honouring cultural values and celebrating life as a family, a community and existence as a people.
In addition, within the Kwanza history are Seven Principles also known as Nguzo Seba which are part of the seven-day celebration. When African Americans reinforce the values rooted in their ancient culture.
To commemorate this special holiday, a Kwanza setting is placed in a central part of one’s home in which seven symbols are utilized to represent the values of the African culture and serve as a reminder of one’s commitment to family and community.
Kwanza is a time of reflection that is celebrated by African Americans worldwide. It is a time in which ancient traditions are revisited and the rich history of the African culture is renewed through the reassertion of family values and community. It is a holiday in which every African American is afforded the opportunity to acclaim their heritage and to reaffirm their commitment to the ancient bonds which serves to strengthen their own identity in particular and as part of the world community in general.
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