Kwanzaa Is Not Black Christmas
By: Danita Hall
Tags: Holidays, Culture, Illumination, Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa Is Not Black Christmas

Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels

From November to December there are many holidays celebrated both religious and cultural so one shouldn’t forget about Kwanzaa. Once Christmas is over people generally sigh a big sigh of relief as Kwanzaa is one of the lesser recognized holidays which deserves a little more attention. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 — January 1st.

Kwanzaa is not black Christmas. Kwanzaa is not a religious celebration. Kwanzaa is not the rival of Hanukkah.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is 54 years old this year so it’s a very young holiday. You do not have to be of a particular race or creed to celebrate. It’s a cultural celebration. Similar to everyone of all races celebrating and learning about Cinco De Mayo or Mardi Gras. Everyone should try to celebrate or learn more about Kwanzaa in someway during the celebration. Celebrating other cultures can break barriers and be a good step in uniting everyone.

Kwanzaa centers around 7 principles that are inclusive.

Umoja (Unity)

Kujichagulia (Self-determination)

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)

Nia (Purpose)

Kuumba (Creativity)

Imani (Faith)

It’s important to learn more about these principles and how you will harness them in your own life throughout the new year.

How you can celebrate at home?

I’ll repeat this again because I don’t want it to be overlooked. You do not have to be of African or African American or Black descent to celebrate. Please find a way to bring unity in this world of chaos by learning about other cultures. The pandemic has put a damper on most outdoor celebrations but here are some ways to celebrate at home.

Buy seven candles and light them at home (one each day). 3 red candles represent the struggles of the people, 3 green candles represent the land and provide hope for the future, and 1 black candle representing people of African descent. Decorate your home with Kwanzaa colors (red, green, and black). If you haven’t taken your tree down then swap out some of the ornaments to represent the Kwanzaa celebrations. Learn a new Swahili phrase daily. “Habara Gani” is a Kwanzaa greeting which means “How are you?” Buy an item from a black-owned business. Search YouTube for an online dance class from Zumba to Stepping to West African Dance. Find a new Creole, Southern, or Cajun recipe to cook. The 7-day celebration normally ends with a feast on the 6th night but try a new recipe on any day during Kwanzaa. Jerk Chicken, Fried Catfish, Candied Yams, Cajun Jambalaya all sounds delicious and is a good way to end the holiday season with more unhealthy eating. Print an online craft and complete it at home (great to do with younger kids). Join a free online Kwanzaa celebration.

There are many ways to learn about this cultural tradition and to celebrate it from home. This is our first year celebrating and we couldn’t be more excited.

Furaha ya Kwanzaa! Happy Kwanzaa!

Danita Hall is a human by day and a Humor, Parenting, Lifestyle, Ranting, Poem Writing Blogger by night. Click here to read past blog posts and stay connected on Facebook and Twitter