What is the history and origin of the Kwanzaa celebration?

What is the history and origin of the Kwanzaa celebration?

According to Karenga, the name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning “first fruits”. First fruits festivals exist in Southern Africa, celebrated in December/January with the southern solstice, and Karenga was partly inspired by an account he read of the Zulu festival Umkhosi Wokweshwama.

What are Umoja practices?

Umoja students are interconnected to African peoples around the globe. This practice encourages a global African consciousness in an effort to foster collective respons ibility, empathy and self-awareness.

What does Umoja mean Kwanzaa?

Unity
Umoja (Unity) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

What does the Unity Cup represent in Kwanzaa?

Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-kom’-bay chah oo-mo’-jah) is the Unity Cup which represents the principle of unity as the basis of all Kwanzaa principles. Zawadi (zah-wah’-dee) are the Gifts which represent the commitments made and kept.

What does Mishumaa Saba stand for in Kwanzaa?

Mishumaa Saba (mee-shoo-mah’-ah sah’-bah) is the group of Seven Candles which represents the Kwanzaa seven principles (Nguzo Saba). Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-kom’-bay chah oo-mo’-jah) is the Unity Cup which represents the principle of unity as the basis of all Kwanzaa principles.

What do the seven candles on Kwanzaa represent?

Kinara: The candle holder symbolizes the roots of the community. Muhindi: The corn represents the future of children in the community. Kikombe cha Umoja: The Unity Cup symbolizes the practice of unity. Mishumaa Saba: The seven candles represent each of the seven principles.

What does mkeka stand for in Kwanzaa?

Mkeka (m-kay’-kah) is the Kwanzaa Mat which represents a foundation of our tradition and history. Kinara (kee-nah’-rah) is the Candle Holder which represents continental Africans as our roots. Muhindi (moo-heen’-dee) is the Corn which represents our children and our future.