Kwanzaa: A brief introduction

Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.

 

Hi, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.

 

We hope that you enjoyed the November podcasts that discussed African Americans in the military, focusing mostly on Black veterans. We heard some great stories, some sad stories and some inspirational stories. And remember the quote by WEB Dubois: We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting. I’m still moved whenever I read that quote. African Americans had it hard after they returned home from various wars. They weren’t welcomed as the heroes they were, who had fought for freedom and democracy around the world. But WE can recognize their courage and service and we should do so throughout the year. These stories and podcast shows are just one way but it’s important that they are remembered for their service. I know that some of the stories were a bit heavy, but I hope that the lessons were learned and that the inspiration was felt.

 

I’m so glad that you’ve returned for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history and culture fit the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.

 

Speaking of the show, the Wiki history podcast show for December will focus on a very special theme: The celebration of Kwanzaa! Yes, this is the month that many Black people—African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and continental Africans—celebrate Kwanzaa. And that’s what we are going to do this month.

 

The format of the show will also be a bit different too. Today’s show will introduce the celebration of Kwanzaa, what it’s about, who started it, when was it founded, WHY it was started, then I’ll briefly introduce the 7 days of Kwanzaa.

 

Each of the next 7 shows will be dedicated to celebrating one of the 7 Kwanzaa days. These shows are for the whole family—all of the rememberinghistory.com shows are good for the whole family—but these Kwanzaa shows can be enjoyed during the Kwanzaa season. There will be great information but, more interestingly, there will be a Kwanzaa story that explains the daily Kwanzaa theme. It will be great for families to discuss the Kwanzaa theme, what it means and how individuals and families can incorporate this theme into their lives.

 

So, you see, this is very different from our usual Wiki history podcast format. It’s more interactive and celebratory. By the way, I would love to know your thoughts about these podcasts after you have listened to them. It can help us to improve these podcasts to make them more meaningful and impactful (I love that word!) for you.

 

Before we begin, just a bit of housekeeping.

 

During this podcast, you will hear about the rituals, the objects and different words in Swahili related to Kwanzaa. You will HEAR about them, but I completely understand if you want to actually SEE them, too. You can find visuals and words on the Wiki History Podcast Page on Facebook. You will find pictures, animated videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for us because we really appreciate them and we do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. Let’s change the way that we think of history—one friend at a time.

 

And the Rememberinghistory.com staff is committed to presenting the stories and contributions of African Americans but we also want to encourage you to make history today. We hope that this show does that but also we have the Making History Today! newsletter that teaches people how to change the world! It’s actually easier than you might think but it’s a great newsletter that you can subscribe to at the Rememberinghistory.com website and Facebook page. Don’t be shy; go right ahead and subscribe and get started changing the world and making history!

 

Let’s begin talking about Kwanzaa! Tis the season!

 

Habari gani!

 

Habari gani!

 

That’s a traditional greeting in the Swahili language. And it is always the way of starting the Kwanzaa celebration for the day.

 

We’re gonna begin the discussion in a slightly different way. Before we talk about what Kwanzaa is, let’s talk about what Kwanzaa is not.

 

Kwanzaa is NOT political.

Kwanzaa is NOT religious.

And Kwanzaa is NOT related to Christmas.

 

Kwanzaa IS a wonderful week-long celebration of African culture and spirituality. (It is NOT associated with any religion.) It was designed to help African Americans remember the history, richness and rituals of African culture, particularly the African mindset of showing gratitude for the harvest, honoring the ancestors and remembering the family unit. Kwanzaa celebrates all of this.

 

Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Ron Karenga who was an active part of the Black nationalist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He designed it as one of the first specifically African American holidays. During the 1960s and 70s, there was a movement by African Americans to reconnect with African culture and history—things that were systematically stripped away from us during slavery and then diminished and disregarded for years. So, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration. No, it is NOT political. It is NOT religious. It is NOT related to Christmas. It is cultural and educational.

 

Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated by about 30 million people worldwide—in the United States, in Canada, the Caribbean and several European countries.

 

Kwanzaa (which means “first fruits”) begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st (New Years Day).

 

It’s important to remember that Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage. So, start with decorating your home, making your home beautiful with pictures, posters, art, statues or anything else that uplifts your spirit and beautifies your home. Place African crafts, baskets, cloth patterns, sculptures, banners and pictures throughout your home. Focus on the Kwanzaa colors of black (which represents the African people), red (which represents the blood or struggle of the African people) and green (which represents the land and future of the African people). Most important thing: create a space in a prominent area for the Kwanzaa table or altar. You will use that every day throughout Kwanzaa.

 

What will you need

 

You need 3 things:

 

1. Kwanzaa mat (mkeka). You can use the Kwanzaa flag, Pan-African flag or a tablecloth with 1 or all of the Kwanzaa colors.
2. A candleholder (kinara) with 7 candles mishumaa saba. 1 black candle, 3 red candles and 3 green candles.
3. Unity cup kikombe cha umoja—any simple or elaborate cup or goblet.

 

That’s it. Yes, of course, there is a lot more that you can add but these are the basics. And you will use these items on every day of the Kwanzaa celebration.

 

So, let’s get to it:

 

Each of the 7 days of Kwanzaa has a theme on which you will focus during the ceremony. Let’s go through the theme first then we’ll go through the activities. By the way, I’m gonna give you the daily theme in Swahili first then in English. It really doesn’t matter which language you use. Personally, I like using new languages but just use whichever feels better to you.

 

Day 1. Umoja!

 

Harbari gani! On the first day of Kwanzaa, we recognize Umoja or the concept of Unity.

 

Dr. Karenga (remember he founded Kwanzaa) thought of Umoja (Unity)—working for and maintaining harmony and togetherness in the family, the community, the nation and the world.

 

The first day of Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 26. It begins with lighting the Black candle at the center of the kinara. Lighting the Black candle marks the beginning of the festive Kwanzaa season. Someone will then make a statement, tell a story or even say a poem about the concept of Unity. This part is very flexible. You can sing a song, play an instrument, perform a dance or do anything that illustrates the concept of unity. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled.

Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the Black candle is blown out and the ceremony for the day is ended.

 

(Day 2): Kujichagulia!

 

Harbari gani! December 27 is the second day of Kwanzaa. On Day 2, we celebrate Kujichagulia or self-determination.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of self-determination as defining who we are, creating who we are, and acting and speaking for ourselves.

 

On this second day of Kwanzaa, first the black candle is lit then the red candle (farthest to the left) is lit. Then someone will make a statement or tell a story about the principle of self-determination in his or her own life. Again, this part is very flexible. You can be as creative as you like. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled then passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the Black and Red candles are blown out and the ceremony for the day is ended.

 

(Day 3): Habari gani! Ujima!

 

Remember that everyone will greet each other with habari gani.

 

December 28 marks the third day of Kwanzaa. On Day 3, we celebrate Ujima or collective work and responsibility.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of Ujima as building and maintaining our community together, sharing our joys and problems and solving our problems together.

 

Next we light the candles in the following order:

 

1. Black candle (in the middle) is lit
2. Red candle to the far left is lit
3. Green candle to the far right is lit

 

Then someone present will then make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of collective work and responsibility. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.

 

(Day 4): Ujamaa!

 

Harbari gani! December 29 marks the fourth day of Kwanzaa. On day 4, we celebrate Ujamaa or cooperative economics.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of the concept of Ujamaa as building and maintaining our own businesses, and supporting the businesses of others and growing and profiting from them together.

 

On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, you will light another red candle. So the order is:

 

1. Black candle (in the middle) is lit first.
2. Red candle to the far left is lit
3. Green candle to the far right is lit
4. Finally the red candle farthest to the left is lit.

 

Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of cooperative economics in their life or as it affects others. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended

 

(Day 5): Nia!

 

Harbari gani! December 30 marks the fifth day of Kwanzaa. On day 5, we celebrate the principle of Nia or purpose.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of nia as focusing on building our communities together, maintaining them, and restoring them to greatness.

 

On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, you will light another green candle. So the order is:

 

1. Black candle (in the middle) is lit first.
2. Red candle to the far left is lit
3. Green candle to the far right is lit
4. Then the red candle farthest to the left is lit.
5. Then another green candle farthest to the right is lit.

 

Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of purpose. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled with juice. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.

 

(Day 6): Kuumba!

 

Harbari gani! December 31st marks the 6th day of Kwanzaa and it is a very special day! On the 6th day, we celebrate the principle of Kuumba or creativity. As it is New Year’s Eve, the day is an especially festive day because it marks the last day of the calendar year.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of kuumba or creativity as working hard to make our communities more beautiful and functional for today and for future generations.

 

Then we light the candles:

 

1. First, the Black candle (in the middle) is lit.
2. Red candle to the far left is lit
3. Green candle to the far right is lit
4. Then another red candle farthest to the left is lit.
5. Then another green candle farthest to the right is lit.
6. Then final red candle is lit.

 

 

On this special final day of the year, the home is specially decorated with traditional Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green. Special dishes are made for the family and guests. On December 31, families and communities hold a karamu which is a special feast, including readings, remembrances and a festive meal. The karamu feast may consist of traditional African dishes, as well as those featuring ingredients that Africans brought to the United States...sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, collard greens and spicy sauces, for example. This celebration may be held at a home, church or community center.

 

Then the unity cup is passed around. All members who are present should remember their ancestors while the Unity cup is shared.

 

(Day 7): Habari gani! Imani!

 

The last and final day of Kwanzaa falls on January 1st, New Year’s Day.

 

The focus on the seventh day of Kwanzaa is on Imani or faith.

 

Dr. Karenga thought of Imani as believing in ourselves, our people, our parents and teachers and our leaders. Believing in the importance of our vision for a better community and for a better world.

 

Next the candles are lit:

 

Always begin with the Black candle in the center then alternate back and forth between the red and green candles until all are lit.

 

Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of creativity. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled with juice. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.

 

The last day of Kwanzaa...the first day of the New Year...has been a time of serious appraisal for African people. Also known as the "Day of Meditation" or "Day of Assessment," it is a period of self-reflection related to things done and things yet to be done. Following in this tradition, it is a time to ask yourself the following three questions: "Who am I?" - "Am I really who I say I am" - "Am I all I ought to be?" In addition, this is also a day when many Kwanzaa participants choose to pay particular homage to the ancestors...those of the national community as well as those of the family.

 

Everyone concludes the entire ceremony saying "Harambee!" (which is a reminder to “let’s pull together!”) seven times—one time for each day of the Kwanzaa ceremony.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, lots of information just now. Just to recap.

 

Step 1: Everyone stands around the Kwanzaa table. Bid each other the traditional greeting of Habari gani. Answer by saying the theme of the day. Take this opportunity to practice your Swahili. Answer: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) or Imani (faith)

 

Step 2: Light the candles for the day. Always start with the black candle in the middle then alternate between the red and green candles.

 

Step 3: Someone present will make a statement, tell a story, say a poem, sing a song or just discuss the daily theme in his or her life. Get creative here and just express yourself in any way that works best for you.

 

Step 4: Fill the Unity cup and pass it around the table. Everyone will take a sip from the cup.

 

Step 5: Put the candles out. You’re finished.

 

These steps are continued for the seven days of Kwanzaa. At the end of the 7th day, everyone shouts “Harambee!” seven times. Harambee means “let’s pull together!”

 

So, that is the celebration of Kwanzaa. You see that it can help individuals and families to remember and feel the connection with their African roots, culture and heritage. There is a lot more that you can do as part of this celebration. Do it YOUR way but don’t be shy about expanding yourself and reaching for new experiences.

 

And, as I promised in the beginning, you can get more information about Kwanzaa from Maya Angelou. She and award-winning filmmaker, MK Asante made a movie about Kwanzaa called The Black Candle. It is the first movie ever made about Kwanzaa and was filmed in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. The film discusses Kwanzaa’s growth during the Black Power movement through the modern day experience as a global pan-African movement.

This is an excellent film for all ages and can help to understand the context, meaning and importance of Kwanzaa to families and communities. The Black Candle has been described as more than a film about a holiday: it’s a celebration of a people! Highly recommended. You can get more information about The Black Candle on the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook and you can rent the film on iTunes.

 

Speaking of excellent films about Kwanzaa, the rememberinghistory.com team has created an animated video about Kwanzaa—what it is, what it means and how to celebrate it. You can find it on the rememberinghistory.com website and the Wiki Podcast page. It’s short, educational and lots of fun. Your whole family will enjoy it.

 

So, that’s all for this introduction. I know that I mentioned a lot of words in Swahili. Again, you can find them at the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. You will also find pictures of the items like the kinari (the candleholder), the unity cup (kikumba cha umoja) and lots of other helpful items. Most importantly, you will find a lively group of African American history and culture enthusiasts who enjoy meeting new people and discussing these topics. Everyone is welcome!

 

Finally, I just want to remind you that 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History & Culture opened in 2016. This kind of museum was long overdue but it finally happened and it is a place that everyone should visit and explore. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

 

Are you ready to learn about Kwanzaa and hear some great Kwanzaa stories? Great! Go ahead and listen to Day 1 of Kwanzaa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about Kwanzaa or want to share your stories of how you celebrate Kwanzaa or even why you choose NOT to celebrate Kwanzaa, please contact me at [email protected]. I love hearing your thoughts and stories. Also, as promised, when you contact me and leave your email address, I will send you a special e-gift for Kwanzaa (yes, Kwanzaa also can involve gift-giving!)

 

On that high note, a very joyous Kwanzaa from everyone at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it! Every day. Ha