Kwanzaa Flashcards
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday beginning on 26 December to 01 January . In the wake of the Watts melee , this was invented as a reactionary response by Professor Maulana Karenga in 1966. Kwanzaa is an adaptation of the African Harvest festival tradition as commonly practiced and observed in West Africa and Southeast Africa. The Swahili etymology is “ Matunda ya Kwanza “ meaning the ‘ First Fruit ‘ . The Nguni Southern Africans hold this festival after the seasonal harvest of agricultural produce. The Emce ( High Priest ) presides over the liturgical ceremony. Metaphorically, the devotees hand the 1st fruits to God as a symbolic gratitude for its surfeit. This tradition emanated from this African Principle : Nguzo Saba ( its improvised term ) translates as the 7 Principles of the African Heritage. It comprises of Kwaida , a Swahili word for “ Common “ The reiterated 7 principles are : Umoja , Kuchichaguila , Ujima , Ujama , Nia , Kuumba , and Imani. What is the original African term for this principle.
Nguzu Saba Principles
Southern African always hold their First Fruits festivals around December and January in direct correspondence with the solar system: December Solstice . This nomenclature pertains to the Solstice occuring each 21 December as per the Gregorian Calendar. The Northern Hemisphere is Winter solstice while the Southern hemisphere is always the Summer Solstice . The Africans prefer the December Solstice as known by this nomenclature.
Southern Solstice
An event occurring when the Sun appears to reach its most northerly or Southerly excursion as relative to the Celestial Equator on the Celestial Sphere. The Annual solstice is comprehensive of June 21 and December 21 reflecting the season of the year : Solstice and Equinoxes.
Solstice
The Source of Karenga’s inspiration is stemmed also from the Zulu festival known as this .
Umkhosi Wokweshwama
Who published , Kwanzaa : A Celebration of Family , Community , and Culture in 1997 ?
Maulana Karenga
Unity : This is the 1st day of celebration. The passionate endeavor , striving , and sustenance of unity , equilibrium , and solidarity within the social units : family , community , nation , and race.
Umoja
Self Determination : This the 2nd day of celebration. The process of self identification by defining and naming ourselves . Via affirmation , we create and speak for ourselves.
Kujichaguila
Collective Work and Responsibility : This is the 3rd day of celebration. The emphasis here building and maintaining our community toward synergy , stability and togetherness. Such Mechanical Solidarity strengthens the social fabric of the African American community. Mutual algorithm and resolution of familial crisis via joint effort of intervention.
Ujima
Cooperative Economics : On this 4th day , the celebration revolves around the emphasized theme of Black Nationalism by supporting Black business , buying black mercantile and legitimate goods and patronizing restaurant services. We together help build and fortify the African American business , Markets , shops , franchises , and stores.
Ujamaa
Purpose : On the fifth day , we embrace the concept of collective vocation and work ethics. This enhances the sense of community building via our constructive contribution the society. Purpose gives us structure and meaning in our lives. It restores the sense of traditional greatness .
Nia
Creativity: This 6th day embraces the beauty of invention , innovation , and creativity as we have attested to the history makers and artificers.
Kuumba
Faith : This final and 7th day day is the celebration of faith , fealty , and beliefs. We believe in our strong minded parents , educators , leaders. and doubtless people. We have faith in the African American Struggle toward humanity and survivalism.
Imani
