Ground-Breaking Celebrations: The “Tradition” Known As Kwanza

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

In this very politically correct, blended world we live in holiday time has become a multi-cultural experience for many. Lots of families (either through family, friends and association or simply through society) have come to fuse together different seasonal celebrations. The most common combination are Chanukah and Christmas, but there’s another common combination that we often overlook or take for granted: the celebration of Kwanza. Since many African-Americans also celebrate Christmas, (or some like Sammy, who celebrate Chanukah), others are left wondering where this cultural fete fits in.

While most of us are hoping for another reason and day off from work, Kwanza has a specific significance among the African-American community, and in fact, many say they use this special time to focus not only on their heritage but to also concentrate on some of the less materialistic blessings of the season and to teach their children (and family) about important life lessons and values.

Yet, while this important celebration has quickly amalgamated into the mainstream, many are still confused about exactly what this holiday IS or means. According to experts, Kwanza is a non-religious celebration revolving around the Nguzo Saba or “seven principles” in Swahili, and traditionally geared toward enriching the black community via promoting positive life principles including strength and unity. African-American families have adapted the celebration as a commemoration to their heritage and celebrate it over the course of seven days between Christmas and New Year’s, dedicating each day to one of the seven principles the custom was founded on.

· Umoja (unity)

· Kujichagulia (self-determination)

· Ujima (collective work and responsibility)

· Ujamaa (cooperative economics)

· Nia (purpose)

· Kuumba (creativity)

· Imani (faith)

For most African-American this special (additional) celebration is a great way to incorporate traditional values and principles to mainstream culture. Many use this time to reflect on life principles and on their family, and they enjoy dancing, gifts (generally handmade), and food, marked by a special feast n the last night. Still many also celebrate Christmas, and they note that they observe both holidays but very different reasons. In fact, many Christmas observing African-Americans suggest that while Christmas is about rejoicing about a birth (The birth of Christ, for those who believe), Kwanza offers even non-believers insight into important principles of daily life. And, they add, that although there are “some” handmade or homemade gifts exchanged the celebration (unlike Christmas) is NOT about giving and receiving gifts.

Yet, because this cultural fete is fairly knew, (some) of the older (or more “conservative” and traditional) family members don’t see it’s relevance and may experience some difficulty in accepting it. They attest that since many of its principles are generally Christian in origin, African-American families who celebrate Christmas should simply use that designated time of year to reflect on the true meaning of the season and focus and friends, family, gift giving and fun.

There are others however, who eagerly look forward to this added celebration and all it represents (to the African-American community), those who celebrate Christmas and those who don’t. In fact, they see it as a way to impart positive ideals, morals and values to ALL members of the community to help them stay focused and move ahead.

And, as a means of celebrating heritage and history this jubilee is noticeable gaining in popularity across the globe. Currently there are about 28 million celebration Kwanza each year, with that number consistently growing.

So, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanza To ALL