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.

Christmas Traditions - Etsy Bloggers Team Blog Carnival December 22, 2008

Outside the snow fell in great clumps of flakes as big as your hand. The wind screamed around windows and doors. Icy fingers of sleet pried away at every crack and cranny trying to force their way in to the warmth.

Inside, in what was once the summer kitchen, Mom and her sisters fussed over every detail of the great Christmas feast. The turkey was checked and basted with good, pure 100% butter. Potatoes were peeled and put on to boil. Vegetables of every kind were boiled, roasted and steamed.

The cranberry sauce was scooped out into serving dishes. Pickles, sweet and sour, were plated along with cubes of cheese. Jellied salads were unmolded and placed on platters of lettuce. Tomato juice was poured into delicate little glasses and placed one for each setting.

The pudding was popped on to steam. The fruitcake sliced. The sauce for the pudding was stirred. Who remembered the ice cream?

The men conferred over the wine and reminisced about wines served at past gatherings of the clan. The wine was passed round, uncorked and decanted into paper thin wine glasses.

These were Mom's good glasses. The ones to this day I hold my breath lest they shatter by being held too tightly or pressed too firmly against the lips. The juice and water glasses were edged with gold and had frosted grapevines etched around their sides. The wine glasses were small by today's standards but they too had grapevines frosted around their bowls.

Each sister was married and brought along their spouses and children. Aunty May and Uncle Fran came the farthest distance. When the weather was bad they would camp out at one of our houses.

It was a time to meet and gather, to exchange news, to give and receive gifts, to sing, and to feast. It was a time of laughter and noise and yes, sometimes tears.

The house would be bursting at the seams, so full of people and pets not a corner was left empty. Christmas lights glowed on the tree and around all the rooms. Foil decorations festooned ceilings and doorways. It was a time of auld lang syne.

I remember the light and the noise. I remember endless tray after tray of food passed around the table not once, not twice but several times. No one was rich, money was tight. Yet we were all rich as kings in love, light and laughter.

Scoff if you must but it was true. I close my eyes and I can see the dining room as clear and bright as it was then. I can hear the singing and the laughter. And if I could I'd go back there again and again.

So I'll wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!