By Carol Fisher-Linn
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Kwanzaa…“Habari Gano”
What do the 6-day, August 1965 Watts Riots in L.A. have to do with Kwanzaa? Quite a bit. The aftermath of the riots was the catalyst for the creation of Kwanzaa as a way of uniting and empowering the African American community after those deadly attacks (34 deaths – $40M damages in 1965 dollars). Modeling it after traditional African harvest festivals, creator Maulana Karenga took the name from a Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits.”
A cultural and spiritual holiday, some think of Kwanzaa as a substitute for celebrating Christmas. It is not. In fact, many people celebrate both: Christmas on the 25th, then Kwanzaa is on the 26th to January 1st. Best of both worlds.
Kwanzaa is celebrated by Africans of all faiths and traditions, as well as non-Blacks. One can liken it to all peoples celebrating Cinco de Mayo even though it is a traditional Mexican holiday and celebration of Mexican historical events (a yearly celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862).
The University of Pennsylvania’s African Studies Center informs us that “Karenga designed the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguza Saba, to connect Black Americans to their African roots by uplifting the community through recognizing and honoring traditional African family values.” Hence, the foundation of Kwanzaa is built on the following concepts: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. Although not a National holiday, it is recognized as an official holiday in the U.S.
A central part of the celebration is the nightly lighting of the kinara, a special candelabra. The kinara holds seven candles, one for each foundational concept —three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right, and one black candle in the center— these colors have deep symbolism: black is for the African people, red reminds of their struggles, and green celebrates their hope for the future. This grouping of candles is known as mishumaa saba.
The kinara is reminiscent of the Jewish menorah, used earlier this month (7th through 15th) to celebrate Hanukkah, whose seven arms also have deep meaning for the Jewish people.
Incidentally, a menorah generally refers to EITHER the seven-branched golden candelabra that is lit every DAY in the holy Tabernacle and then the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, or the eight-flamed lamp that is lit in homes on the eight nights of the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. Interestingly, the menorah is the oldest continuously used religious symbol of the West, whereas the kinara is one of the newest cultural symbols. Yet, they both share a similar purpose.
Traditionally, Kwanzaa is celebrated in homes, schools or large venues which provide greater spaces for African musicians and dancers and performances by children. Not to mention a huge outlay of foods to enjoy. At home, according to the official Kwanzaa website, folks are reminded to gather respectfully, to celebrate only Kwanzaa, having removed any items of Christmas if it was celebrated, and to choose the best and most beautiful items and foods to celebrate Kwanzaa. In gentle quietude, at home, families gather to discuss the principles and to light a candle each day.
Besides the celebration of the principle of Kuumba (creativity), the sixth night also features the Kwanzaa feast. Homes are decorated with flags, Kwanzaa decorations and Pan-African décor. There is music and readings and plays, but first all guests drink from a Unity cup giving recognition to their ancestors. It is a time to celebrate friends, family and the cultural ties that bring them together.
Traditional foods feature the inclusion of French, Spanish, and African ingredients and preparation. One might find salt fish, guava, red beans, and pigeon peas on the table — all of which have been influenced by the foods on the Caribbean Islands. Southern soul cooking, influenced by French cooking include garden-grown ingredients like okra, collards, and tomatoes, as well as seafood like oysters, crabs, and shrimp.
At the end of the feast, the eldest member reads the Tamshi La Tutaonana — a farewell statement to the year and the closing of the Karamu (the feast). An appropriate Kwanzaa greeting is “Habari Gano,” meaning “what is the news?” in Swahili. Here’s wishing you a joyous and blessed Kwanzaa!