A Taste of Kwanzaa

I’ve been observing Kwanzaa in a number of ways for over a decade. Kwanzaa is a holiday founded by Dr. Maulana Kerenga in 1966 as a way to bring the African-American community together. This holiday, roughly translated as “first fruits,” runs from December 26^th to January 1^st. Despite popular belief, Kwanzaa was not designed to be celebrated instead of Christmas.  It combines symbols and concepts from harvest celebrations of several different African cultures, including Zulu and Ashanti. Families celebrate Kwanzaa in their own way, often incorporating singing and dancing, African drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.  The observance gives African-Americans an opportunity to learn more about traditional African values and culture. 

What I’ve also learned over the years is that Kwanzaa provides fruit for the mind, body & soul that can be sustaining for more than those of us of African descent, but universally.  I’ll share the seven principles and their meaning, and also pose some questions that may be useful for all of us to consider this week as Kwanzaa progresses.

The principle for Kwanzaa Day 1 is Umoja, or unity. It guides us to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.  I love the African proverb, “when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” It speaks to the power of community, and realizing that no (wo)man is an island. How have you been putting the principle of Umoja, or unity, into practice in your life?

 

Just because you cannot pronounce Kujichagulia, the principle for Kwanzaa Day 2, doesn't mean you can't practice self-determination. This is a perfect opportunity to break the chains of the victim mentality we all can find ourselves in. Some questions to consider are how are you defining yourself, naming yourself, creating for yourself, and speaking for yourself?

 

Kwanzaa principle for Day 3, Ujima, collective work and responsibility, reminds us to work together to make our communities better--our brothers' and sisters' problems are indeed our problems--or opportunities to serve. A recent discussion we had in a spiritual program I’m undergoing, The Path to Heart, is that when we serve others, we serve ourselves. Are you hearing the call to service? Are you listening? 

The principle for Kwanzaa Day 4 is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics, which means to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. Think about this current holiday season as an example. Did you, or could you have supported local businesses, or those owned by those you know and love? How are you making use of your own skills and talents to create support for yourself?

The Kwanzaa Day 5 principle is Nia, or purpose. It means to see our collective vocation as the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. Let's also apply this individually and ask--how will I build and develop MYSELF and restore MYSELF--mind, body, and soul--to wholeness? After all, we must first build a strong inner foundation before focusing on outer constructs.

On Day 6 of Kwanzaa, we focus on the principle Kuumba, or creativity. This means to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.  I invite you to ask yourself, "What am I doing to create beauty and benefit in my world?" If you aren't satisfied with your answer, it's time to try something new. 

Day 7 of Kwanzaa shepherds in the New Year. It is fitting to start the year celebrating the principle, Imani, or faith. Why not make a commitment to believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle? Our thoughts are powerful creators, so what we believe, we can receive. 

This is a mere taste of the first fruits known as Kwanzaa. I hope you take some time to explore the principles more, and consider how putting them into practice may enhance the lives of you, your loved ones, your community, and the world. Happy Kwanzaa!