Kwanzaa Traditions - Kwanzaa Traditions for children, Kwanzaa Traditions and Candles, Kwanzaa Traditions and Food, Kwanzaa Traditions Wikipedia,

What is Kwanzaa Customs and Traditions ?

Kwanzaa Traditions - Kwanzaa is a week-long annual celebration held in the United States and other nations of the African diaspora in the Americas to honor African heritage in African-American culture. It is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966.

Kwanzaa Traditions 

The seven days and candles in Kwanzaa represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba):

•     Umoja: Unity - Unity of the family, community, nation and race
•     Kujichagulia: Self-Determination - Being responsible for your own conduct and behaviour
•     Ujima: Collective work and responsibility - Working to Help each other and in the community
•     Ujamaa: Cooperative economics - Working to build shops and businesses
•     Nia: Purpose - Remembering and restoring African and African American cultures, customs and history
•     Kuumba: Creativity - Using creating and your imagination to make communities better
•     Imani: Faith - Believing in people, families, leaders, teachers and the righteousness of the African American struggle

There are also seven symbols used in Kwanzaa. The seven items of often set on a Kwanzaa table, with the kinara, in the house:

•     Mkeka: The Mat - A woven mat made of fabric, raffia, or paper. The other symbols are placed on the Mkeka. It symbolises experiences and foundations.
•     Kikombe cha Umoja: The Unity Cup - Represents family and community. It is filled with water, fruit juice or wine. A little is poured out to remember the ancestors. The cup is share between people and each person takes a sip.
•     Mazao: The Crops - Fruit and vegetables from the harvest. These normally includes bananas, mangoes, peaches, plantains, oranges, or other favorites! They are shared out.
•     Kinara: The Candleholder - It represents the days, and principles of Kwanzaa.
•     Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles - are placed in the kinara. Black, red and green are the colors of the Bendera (African Flag).
•     Muhindi: The Corn - There is one ear of corn of each child in the family. If there are no children in the family, then one ear is used to represent the children in the community. It represents the future and the Native Americans.
•     Zawadi: Gifts - Gifts given to children during Kwanzaa are normally educational, such as a book, dvd or game. There's also a gift reminding them of their African heritage.

Kwanzaa Traditions - Kwanzaa Traditions for children, Kwanzaa Traditions and Candles, Kwanzaa Traditions and Food, Kwanzaa Traditions Wikipedia,