By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
John Eric Home Magazine
Aa
  • Home & Design
    • Design Feature
    • Home Trends
    • Design News
    • Designer Spotlight
    • Details
  • Lifestyle
    • John’s Picks
    • Arts
    • Foodie
    • Mixology
    • Health & Wellness
    • Money & Finance
    • Stylist
    • Culture
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Black Book
  • Special Features
  • News
    • Buzz
    • Diplomacy
  • Real Estate
Reading: Kwanzaa! 
Aa
John Eric Home Magazine
  • Home & Design
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Special Features
  • News
  • Real Estate
  • Home & Design
    • Design Feature
    • Home Trends
    • Design News
    • Designer Spotlight
    • Details
  • Lifestyle
    • John’s Picks
    • Arts
    • Foodie
    • Mixology
    • Health & Wellness
    • Money & Finance
    • Stylist
    • Culture
  • Travel
    • Destinations
    • Black Book
  • Special Features
  • News
    • Buzz
    • Diplomacy
  • Real Estate
  • About Us
  • Past Issues
  • Advertising
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
© 2023 John Eric Home Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
Special Features

Kwanzaa! 

Celebrating the specialness of Kwanzaa.

December 26, 2023

During this time of year, along with Thanksgiving, we have another truly American holiday celebrated. Kwanzaa! This holiday, created by Pan-African activist and academic Maulana Karenga in 1966, as an indispensable method to preserve, continually revitalize, and promote African American culture.  

African little child burning candles for Kwanzaa holiday to celebrate with her family

Facts About Kwanzaa

1). Kwanzaa is observed for seven days, and there is a different value for each day. On each night, a candle is lit to observe the nguzo saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The principles of Kwanzaa are:  Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

2). The candles include one black, three red, and three green. The colors red, black and green are important to Pan-Africanists. Black represents “the people” while red is for the blood spilled in the struggle for liberation and green is for the future of black liberation.

3). Kwanzaa is a secular holiday. It draws influence from a variety of African cultures and practices. The holiday avoids theological emphasis, for it is this emphasis that reveals and cultivates differences. What Kwanzaa does is to stress the ethical which brings forth the best of African and human thought and practice and offers a basis of common ground.

4). Kwanzaa is open to people of other cultures. Anyone is welcome to celebrate the holiday, comparing it to other cultural holidays. It is often celebrated along with Christmas. In the holiday’s early years, it was frowned upon to celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas. As it became more popular, participants began to observe both holidays. 

5). Although Kwanzaa is often observed with Christmas and resembles Hanukkah in format, the dates have a different origin. A central model for Kwanzaa is umkhosi or the Zulu first-fruit celebration which is seven days and is celebrated during this time period. The first-fruit celebrations were celebrated at the end of the old year and the beginning of the New Year. 

6). At the end of the week there is a spectacular feast. On the seventh night, gifts are exchanged. Handmade gifts are preferred, and the items must relate to the principles. Typically, children are the primary recipients. The gift exchange must always include a book and a “heritage symbol,” or item that represents African history and traditions. Kwanzaa concludes with a feast called the karamu. Hosts are encouraged to display their most beautiful art and African cloths along with fresh fruit and vegetables.

You Might Also Like

Extreme Climates – Designing for Weather

A Yes or a No… How to Choose the Right Interior Designer

Have You Heard About Biophilic Elements in Home Design?

London Calling | Yanks in the UK

Scenic Vistas – Designing with a View 

Hillary Broadwater December 26, 2023
Previous Article The World Celebrates Christmas with a Host of Different Traditions
Next Article Matariki
  • About Us
  • Past Issues
  • Advertising
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 John Eric Home Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe

Never miss our latest articles, listings, podcasts etc...

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?