The Meaning of Kwanzaa
As we wrap up our special “Home for the Holidays” series, we feature Kwanzaa, which takes place every year from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honouring African traditions and cultural heritage. It was started by Maulana Karenga in 1966, following the violent Watts riots in Los Angeles, California. Karenga believed it was important for African Americans to have an occasion to commemorate their cultural heritage, and thus created Kwanzaa as an alternative to existing holidays. Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that translates to English as, “first fruits from the harvest.” Though Kwanzaa has roots in the Black Nationalist Movement, it has grown to hold meaning as a time for all people to reflect on and celebrate African American and pan-African traditions and heritage.
Image Source: fitsnews.com
The Principles of Kwanzaa
There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, which reflect the importance of community, while helping to create a better world. It’s no surprise that we at The Flag Shop can easily identify with these principles, which focus on community, social responsibility and creativity.
umoja
Meaning: unity
Action: building a community that holds together
kujichagulia
Meaning: self-determination
Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community
ujima
Meaning: collective work and responsibility
Action: helping others within the community
ujamaa
Meaning: cooperative economics
Action: supporting businesses that care about the community
nia
Meaning: a sense of purpose
Action: setting goals that benefit the community
kuumba
Meaning: creativity
Action: making the community better and more beautiful
imani
Meaning: faith
Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future
There are many symbols of Kwanzaa, including the unity cup, representing community; fruits or crops, representing productivity; seven candles, representing the seven principles, and the Bendera flag, made up of the colours black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope resulting from the struggle. Joyous Kwanzaa!
As we wrap up our series on holiday traditions and celebrations, we wish peace and joy to you and yours over the holidays, and the best of everything in 2018!
We loved serving our community, clients, customers and friends throughout 2017, and we look forward to connecting again in the new year!
