What is Kwanza? and how do people celebrate it?

Answer 1

Introduction
Unlike most holidays, Kwanzaa has neither religious nor political origins. Rather, it was the invention of one man, Dr. Maulana Karenga of Los Angeles, who saw it as a way for African-Americans to reaffirm their ancestors and their culture. The celebration takes place from December 26 through January 1 and focuses on traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement.
Things You'll Need
• Kwanzaa candleholders (kinara)
• Kwanzaa gifts (zawadi)
• Twig placemats
• Corn (dried or fresh)
• Cups
• Candles
• Vegetables
• Goblets
• Fruits

Step One
Gather the 7 Kwanzaa symbols: kinara, a candle holder with space for 7 candles; mkeka, a placemat, preferably made of straw; mazao, fruits and vegetables to represent harvested crops; muhindi, ears of corn, 1 for each child in the family; kikombe cha umoja, a communal cup to symbolize unity; mishumaa saba, 7 candles (1 black, 3 red and 3 green); and zawadi, educational or culturally enriching gifts, exchanged only among parents and children.

Step Two
Spread the mkeka on a low table or on the floor.

Step Three
Place the kinara in the center of the mkeka and add the mishumaa saba.

Step Four
Arrange the muhindi on either side of the mkeka.

Step Five
Distribute the zawadi, kikombe cha umoja, and a basket of mazao on the mkeka.

Step Six
Hang a Bendera (flag of the Black Nation) facing east, and deck the room with trimmings of your choice in black, red and green.

Step Seven
Light a new candle on the kinara every day and discuss one of the 7 guiding principles of Kwanzaa (see Tips).

Step Eight
Hold a karamu, which is a Kwanzaa feast, on December 31.

Step Nine
Exchange zawadi (gifts) on January 1.

Answer 2

Kwanzaa is a day of recognition that was made-up by African-Americans with African roots to celebrate their nativity. It is meant to commemorate and respect their African ancestry and tradition. Can you celebrate it? Well, it wouldn't really make sense unless you had some kind of African ancestry. But there are white Africans, so technically yes, you can be "white" and celebrate Kwanzaa. If you weren't an African descendant though, it'd be like celebrating Christmas when you're Muslim. It wouldn't really work.

Answer 3

Kwanzaa is a holiday that was invented by Ron Karenga in December, 1966. Afican-Americans celebrate with dancing, music, drinking, etc. It doesn't really mean anything, except that it's meant for black people to celebrate instead of Christmas. The founder of the holiday was very anti-Christian.

Answer 4

kwanzaa is an african american holiday to celebrate the overcommings of the african american people. they celebrate it for 7 days with almost a menora type candle holder with 7 candles. kwanzaa lasts from december 26 to january 1.

Answer 5

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza) is a week-long Pan-African festival celebrated primarily in the United States, honoring African American heritage.[1] It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

Answer 6

Yes, I certainly agree with the latter statement in reference to the racist undertones of some of the responses. It is quite obvious that the lack of understanding and respect that some people have for other human beings has yet to change. Like any other religious or spiritual following, if a person or a group of people feel the need to find, create, or assimilate to something in order for the betterment of themselves or humankind, then there should not be any issues with it. If the purpose is for the uplifting of one's self or humankind, then it should be at least respected for that.

Even if Kwanzaa was only created about 40 some odd years ago, by a person who was filled with anger and who was in search of a means of self identification and belonging, during a time when he may have felt that he had no true place in America, it is the good people who celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa who have taken the positive aspects of said holiday to improve upon their lives. The same can be said about the good people who celebrate any other holiday or practice different religions.

I am not religious and I celebrate different holidays for my own reasons. I am not going to allow myself to say that it is wrong for someone else to do the same, especially if the effects of said celebrations or beliefs is for improvement, peace, and goodness. In this world we live in, positive outlets and expressions, as these holidays are, increase hope, which increases more positive actions by human beings. This is not at all a bad thing. Examples can be seen in an earlier entry describing the celebration of each of the principles (days) represented during Kwanzaa.

Also, I totally doubt anyone who is a Christian, Muslim, Jewish, or anyone else who studies the religious books, would be "upset" to find out that Jesus was not an "African-American", "Caucasian", or etc. Those individuals would already know his background, based on facts of his origin, not based on biased opinions of one's misunderstanding of it (note: the terms were not even in existence during his lifetime). They would not waiver in their stance because they have true faith and they know and accept the truth.

In addition, it is not taking away from the celebration of the birth of Christ because Jesus was not even born on the 25th of December, he was born closer to the 6th of January. December 25th was the date made up by a Pope (Gregory) to appease the church, while pagans, and other "heretics", were being "nicely forced" into the Christian religion. It is basically the middle date. Reading info on the celebration of the Winter Solstice, Paganism, and books supporting Christianity's development, and the Bible itself would help open one's eyes to these facts. At any rate, If someone is easily able to interrupt another's celebration of faith, then that individual's faith is not that strong anyway.

No one person has the right to deem something more or less real to other humans as unimportant to everyone, solely because that individual does not agree with it, let alone understand it. Obviously, we are all still learning, yet so many of us choose to remain in darkness. Justified reasoning behind the religions and certain holidays in the first place- to find peace, to find a way for happiness. Kwanzaa just happens to be one of those ways.

Answer 7

kwanza is celebrate by the7 princepals.umjoa which means unity,kujichagulia which means self determanation,ujima which means collective work and responsibility,ujamaa which means coopertavie economics,nia which means purpose,kuumba which means creativityand imani which means faith-the nguzo saba.



kwanza is an african american holiday celebrated by the people of the african decent throught the world for seven days from dec.26-jan.1

Answer 8

Wow the ignorant racist answers to this question are quite revealing that hatred is alive and well. First of all, Juneteenth is the celebration of the end of slavery we should ALL be celebrating that silverfo(ol) Secondly, just because people love themselves and want to affirm their commitment to their communities doesn't mean they hate everyone else, that is just plain ignorant. Third, who said it was anti-Christian, many African American Christians celebrate Kwanzaa. Finally, Dude and yo and melonpie have the best answers.

Answer 9

I too am amazed at all of the racist undertones in the answers. Especially from so-called Christians who claim to know the meaning of Christmas but fail to realize (or try to understand) that Kwanzaa embodies everything that the season should be.

Answer 10

Kwanza....no one really knows, it was invented to put even more seperation between races and cause more trouble.