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Monday, December 26

Joyous Kwanzaa

Heri za Kwanzaa. 

American Girl
Neither Momma nor I celebrate Kwanzaa but I was interested in researching it. 

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African-American heritage and culture, observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.

(Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning first fruits of the harvest.)

Kwanzaa was created as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage and was first celebrated in 1966–1967. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles and culminates in a feast and gift giving.

Kwanzaa symbols include a decorative mat on which other symbols are placed including corn and other crops, a candle holder with seven candles, called a kinara, a communal cup for pouring libations, and gifts. The symbols were designed to convey the seven principles:
  • Umoja (Unity)
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
  • Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
  • Nia (Purpose)
  • Kuumba (Creativity)
  • Imani (Faith)

3 comments:

  1. An insightful blog. Very helpful for my research .Best wishes for your future posts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Where did you find this doll? I want to celebrate Kwanzaa with my daughter and I want her to feel she's not alone in celebrating it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry to say this outfit and accessories are no longer made. American Girl made them from 1996-1999 but you can find them on ebay. They fit American Girl dolls or any other similarly sized 18" doll.

      Kwanzaa Outfit: Dress your American Girl for Kwanzaa, a celebration of African heritage and culture. Her buba—a traditional gown—and elegant matching head wrap are made of African fabric. A beaded necklace and soft leather sandals add a final festive touch. $22

      Kwanzaa Decorations: Set out these seven practical accessories—each stands for a Kwanzaa principle: Unity cup, Woven mat, Basket of fruit, Kinara candleholder, 7 pretend candles, 2 ears of corn, Mini Kwanzaa book $20

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