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Animation: The Nguzo Saba - Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa
yenu iwe
na heri!
[ kwahn-ZAH
YEH-noo EE-weh
nah heh-REE ]

Happy Kwanzaa!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Prema's Kwanzaa Web
| Kwanzaa | Nguzo Saba | Links |
Practice Kwanzaa, every day!
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....... Practice the Principles of Kwanzaa, every day!

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa (kwahn-ZAH) is an annual cultural observance, which is recognized by Black people from December 26 thru January 1, each year:

  • Kwanzaa is non-political.
  • Kwanzaa is non-religious.
  • Kwanzaa is not related to Christmas.*

* Annual Kwanzaa observances begin on December 26th, each year]
 


THE HISTORY OF KWANZAA

The concept of Kwanzaa was formulated, devised, developed and initiated by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, on December 26, 1966. 

Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa, based upon the premise of Kawaida:

Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga


"that social revolutionary change for Black America can be achieved by the act of revealing and disclosing individuals to their cultural African heritage."
 


THE MEANING OF KWANZAA

Kwanza (pronounced kwahn-ZAH) is a Swahili word that translates into English as "first."

Swahili to English Dictionary Query Results for "kwanza"

kwanza adj, first. (< anza V).
kwanza adv, in the beginning. (< anza V).
..
SOURCE: The Kamusi Project

Kwanzaa [note the extra letter "a"], is a word that was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, who derived the meaning of the word "Kwanzaa" from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza"

Kwanzaa Altar

 

tunda translates as "fruit" [singular]
matunda translates as "fruits" [plural]. "matunda ya kwanza" literally translates as: "Fruits of the Beginning" Transliteration: "First Fruits"

--  Esco Babatunde II <worldco@earthlink.net>

Kwanzaa was inspired by the "matunda ya kwanza", i.e. "first fruits" celebrations, on the continent of Africa.


THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZAA
  1. MAZAO  =  THE CROPS
    These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor.
    ..
  2. MKEKA  =  KWANZAA MAT
    This is symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build.
    ..
  3. KINARA  =  KWANZAA CANDLE HOLDER
    This is symbolic of our roots, our parent people -- continental Africans.
    ..
  4. MUHINDI   =  CORN
    This is symbolic of our children and our future which they embody.
    ..
  5. MISHUMAA SABA  =  KWANZAA CANDLES
    These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles of
    Kwanzaa, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.
    ..
  6. KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA  =  UNITY CUP
    This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.
    ..
  7. ZAWADI  =  KWANZAA GIFTS
    These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.

    Gifts are given mainly to children, but must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt, and the heritage symbol to reaffirm and reinforce the African commitment to tradition and history.
SUPPLEMENTAL KWANZAA SYMBOLS:
  • The Kwanzaa Flag is based on the colors of the BENDERA, AFRIKAN LIBERATION FLAG, which was adopted by the Honorable Marcus Garvey as national colors for African people all over the world.
    ..
  • NGUZO SABA POSTER
    Poster of The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

...................................
African Liberation Flag

RED =
Blood shed by Black people.

BLACK =
Black people.

GREEN =
Land which belongs to Black people.


THE FOCUS OF KWANZAA

Annual Kwanzaa observances serve to reinforce manifesting the principles of Kwanzaa, as a way of life, on a daily basis - by reflecting on the past, in order to understand the present and plan for the future. 

Kwanzaa centers around seven (7) principles, with particular emphasis on the social, political, economic and cultural needs of Black people

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are called the Nguzo Saba, which represent the living practices which helped and inspired our African ancestors to endure oppression, under the unjust global system White Supremacy [functional Racism]. 
 

HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!
!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!
HARAMBEE!!!!

..   ..

HARAMBEE!!!!
"Let's pull together"

Animation: The Nguzo Saba - Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

         

   

Prema's Kwanzaa Web

Practice the Principles of Kwanzaa, every day!  

Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri!
(kwahn-ZAH YEH-noo EE-weh nah heh-REE)
Happy Kwanzaa!
 | Kwanzaa | Nguzo Saba | Links |

.... Official Kwanzaa Website
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