C' mon guys what is Kwanzaa, i know African American people celebrate it but it's virtually unheard of in UK

Question

Kwanzaa sounds like a Swahilli word ?

Answer 1

Kwanzaa was created by Professor Ron Karenga in California State University in 1966 in the USA and it's supposed to be a celebration of life based on the principles of African culture. The name does come from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" meaning first fruits and an extra "a" was added to the word kwanza to make it 7 letters for each of the 7 principles that are celebrated. The 7 principles are- unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is a week long celebration between Christmas and the New Year. It's not a religious holiday, it's more cultural, and just like people in Africa celebrate the time of harvesting and feasts, that's what kwanzaa is a celebration of hope and prosperity at the end of the year and for the new year to come.

Answer 2

I don't have the real facts on the percentage ratings, but I do know for a fact that a lot of African Americans do not know the history of Kwanzaa. It's sad to say that some never heard of Kwansaa. American traditional holidays were the only thing taught in schools, in churches, and shown all over National TV. It' time for African Americans to go to Libraries, Book Stores, and African Stores and learn about the history of Kwanzaa. You'll be glad you did. Put Kwanzaa out there to the nation.

Answer 3

It's about celebrating the 7 principles of the African American heritage. 3 red candles represent the blood shed of black people during slavery, 3 green candles represent the land of Africa, and 1 black candle in the middle represents the black people. Each candle (alternation 1 red, and 1 green) is lighted each day. The holiday lasts for 7 days starting Dec. 26th- the day after Christmas. People usually dress in traditional African clothing and exchange gifts. The principles include, Nia (purpose), Imani (faith), and Kugichagalia(sp.) - self-determination. I never really celebrate the holiday, but I learned a lot about it in a club I was in.

Answer 4

Kwanzaa is a bogus holiday that was invented by an activist. No such event is celebrated by anyone except white elementary school teachers.

Answer 5

For all of those who said bad things about Kwanzaa, you guys are being awfully rude. Nobody said Christmas was a load of crap. So you do not have the right to say that. I myself do not celebrate Kwanzaa but still I don't say crap like that. Kwanzaa is important and should stay alive. You guys are just acting like a load of racists. So may God punish all of you who say rude things about Kwanzaa.

Answer 6

The one above is correct. It was created by a white guy in CA, and is a BS holiday with elements stolen from other religions that idiots use and words from tribes they probably weren’t a part of and probably sold or were enemies with their ancestors. It's idiocy. However I do support making up your own fake religions. I worship Crom.

Answer 7

for the people who said negative things about Kwanzaa.....you are all a load of crap and you suck!

i been to a Kwanzaa party last year it was very nice but i will still stick to christmas so i can wait for a big fat white man to bring me presents. so a white man invented christmas? and everyone forgets the true meaning.

Answer 8

It is an african american holiday after Christmas. It is 7 days long and each day stands for something different like unity or family.

Answer 9

Its another made up holiday that makes no sense and barely any blacks in USA follow it. Most blacks in USA came from west Africa, so have no connection to Swahili speaking Kenya, Tanzania and not even the same ethnic background.

Answer 10

Some guy from California thought it up when he had nothing better to do. People thought it sounded good and bought into it. (I think it's a bunch of hooey ).