Kwanzaa celebration begins today
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Christmas and Hanukkah have been around for nearly 2,000 years, and both
holidays are steeped in tradition and lore.
Kwanzaa, which begins today, hasn't even seen its 40th anniversary, but its
roots can be traced back to the time of the Pharaohs.
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26 december 2003
By ELAINE ROSE, (609) 272-7215
Kwanzaa, Swahili for "first fruits," was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana
Karenga to restore African Americans' connection to their cultural roots and
values. It is held every year from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, the time of the first
harvest in Africa.
The center of the celebration is the kinara, a seven-branched candelabrum
with black, red and green candles - black for the people, red for the
struggles they have endured and green for hope. The kinara is placed on a
mat and surrounded with fruits and vegetables, corn to represent the
children and a chalice that symbolizes unity. African art objects, woven cloths and other things to beautify the holiday are added.
Mostly a family celebration, Kwanzaa is a time to be thankful for bounty, to study black history and to recommit to the best of African culture and
practice. Children receive gifts, but they usually consist of books and
other items that honor African culture.
Each night of Kwanzaa, family and friends gather to light the kinara -
starting with the black one in the center and adding a new flame every
night - and discuss seven basic principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia
(self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa
(cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani
(faith). Celebrants also pour out a libation from the unity cup to honor the
ancestors who came before them.
Some communities hold public celebrations with performances of traditional
African song and dance.
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, and not related to any religious tradition.
African Americans of any faith can join in the celebration.
To e-mail Elaine Rose at The Press: ERose*pressofac.com
found at: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/lifestyle/122603D26KWANZAA.html
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