Kwanzaa How-To

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration, celebrated from December 26 to January 1. The uniqueness of this celebration allows it to celebrated various ways. That is there is no one way to be celebrate Kwanzaa.

The basics are simple. On each day one of the principles are highlighted, with the lighting of a candle. Whether you light all green candles first or alternate between green and red is up to the celebrants. However the black (weusi) candle is lit on the first night and is lit first every night thereafter. On nights two through seven, light the black candle and then use it to light the other candles.

Each night, as you focus on a different principle, it is good to discuss with whom you are celebrating with the value and meaning of the principle to you. What we have provided here is simply a starting point. There are various ways that each principle can be demonstrated in our daily lives. Remember the overall goal is to incorporate these principles into our lives so that they are practiced throughout the year.

To setup: Place the Mkeka on a flat surface. Place the Kinara on top of Mkeka. (Note: If you are able and have the resources, you can make a kinara out of log, by drilling seven holes in it the diameter of the candles.) Around the Kinara, place fruit and vegetables (Mazao). Included in this cornucopia of fruits and vegetables include ears of corn (Muhindi). Either an ear of corn for each child in the house or one corn to represent all of the children. Along with the setting include the Kikiombe Cha Umoja (Unity Cup), either filled with your favorite drink or empty. The cup is sometimes used for a libation, in honor of our elders. The gifts (Zawadi) are given on the last day as part of the "Community Dinner." This dinner is the result of the combined efforts of the celebrants to preapre either traditional, cultural, regional or just your favorite meal to share.

Perhaps one of the most important part of whatever you do to celebrate is the "Harambee."(Haram-bay) Harambee means "Let's Pull Together." A prayer and declaration that reminds us that we are unified people. The Harambee is done in a in a circle with the celebrants holding hands. A elder or some designated leader leads the circle in excaliming seven Harambee's on each harambe, the hands are raised on "Haram" and lowered on the "bee". On the seventh and last harambee, the celebrants raise their hands and with there loudest and strongest voice, hold the "haram", until the leader signals for the "bee".

Well that's it, in a very condensed version. Remember, the goal is to buy as little as possible and if you do not have some of the items that are identified, then you can substitute. It is the principle that is key.

For more information: The Official Kwanzaa Website