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Kwanzaa is based on the first fruits celebrations that have been held in Africa for centuries at the beginning of the harvest season. The ideals and activities of the first fruit celebrations help form the meaning of Kwanzaa. They are: Gathering - the gathering of people - of family, friends, and community. Reverence - reverence for the Creator and a giving of thanks for all that has been created. Commemoration - commemoration of the past, of all the people and actions that have come before. Recommitment - recommitment to the highest ideals, both for yourself and for the community. Celebration - celebration of the good in all its manifestations on this Earth.
The seven principles and symbols are very important in Kwanzaa, and are kept in mind throughout the seven days of Kwanzaa. In fact, each day is devoted to one of the principles and is used as a jumping point for activities and discussion.
Some typical activities of the Kwanzaa celebration: Pouring Tambiko - The kikombe (cup) is filled with juice or water which is poured by a priest or elder into a bowl filled with green vegetables. The pourer says a tamshi la tambiko (libation statement) as the liquid fills the bowl. A tamshi la tambiko is a statement of praise to the African-American ancestors and a commitment to continue the tasks they have begun.
Ancestral Roll-Call - Kwanzaa participants stand and tell of someone that has been an inspiration to them personally.
Harambee - Harambee, which means something like 'let's all pull together', is a unifying motion in which the Kwanzaa participants raise their right arms with hands open and then pull down their arms as they make a fist.
Lighting of the Mishumaa - Each day one of the seven candles on the kinara is lit, each candle representing one of the seven symbols.
Siku ya Taamulli - This is the day of meditation, generally the last day of Kwanzaa. It is meant to give the participants a time to reflect on their lives and the lives of all Africans and African-Americans as they head into the new year. |
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