Kwanzaa Information, Websites, Free Printable Activities, Games, Lessons & Crafts - Associated Content

Kwanzaa Information, Websites, Free Printable Activities, Games, Lessons & Crafts - Associated Content:

"Habari Gani? This is the Swahili greeting given at Kwanzaa, the least known but fastest growing of the winter holidays. When you greet someone with Habari Gani? you are saying literally, 'what's the news?' Kwanzaa, meaning 'first fruits of the harvest' celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 - January 1, seven days. In the seven days there are seven principles to aim for; I have listed their Swahili name as well as a description westerners can understand.

unity (umoja),

self-determination, knowing oneself (kujichagulia),

collective work and responsibility; sharing the load (ujima)

cooperative economics, barter, trade for the common good (ujamaa),

sense of purpose (nia),

creativity (kuumba),

trust, faith (imani)

The symbols of Kwanzaa include:

seven candles (3 red, 3 green, 1 black), standing for Kwanzaa's seven principles (look similar to a menorah)mishumaa

a candle holder, representing the stalk of corn that shows that we grow as a family from the earth (the kinara)

a straw place mat, recalling tradition and history (mkeka)

a variety of fruit, symbolizing the harvest (mazao)

vibunzi -- an ear of corn for each child, celebrating the child's potential"