American celebrations of winter holidays | ShareAmerica 536 A red Christmas tree ornament glows against the snow-covered branches of a fir tree. (Shutterstock) The U.S. winter holiday season, running from late November through early January, is when Americans take extra time to gather with family and friends — and express gratitude for life’s abundance. A season of giving thanks and gifts Thanksgiving, observed on the fourth Thursday in November, marks the official start of the season. It’s a day for catching up with far-flung family members, sharing traditional American foods and taking a break from hectic work schedules. Each year, millions of Americans travel thousands of kilometers to sit down with family and friends for a meal that usually includes roast turkey, with stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. And in households across the country, sports fans gather after dinner to watch televised, U.S.-style football games played on Thanksgiving Day. Members of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team get ready to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a homeless shelter in Atlanta. (© 2010 NBAE; Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) But Thanksgiving is also a day when thousands of Americans volunteer to help the needy.

From the tall to the small, from professional athletes to schoolchildren, Americans from all walks of life help those in need on Thanksgiving Day. Jasmyn Lauchu, age 5, helps serve Thanksgiving dinner at a community event in California’s San Fernando Valley. (© Getty Images) Mindful of their own good fortune, Americans from coast to coast — including President Obama and his family — prepare and serve traditional Thanksgiving meals at community centers and churches. Others donate to charities that feed the hungry, or compete in fundraising marathons that benefit local food banks. As with Thanksgiving, the approach of Christmas, celebrated on December 25, spurs many Americans — even those who are not religious — to give to others. Each year, Americans contribute millions of dollars and millions of volunteer hours to help the disadvantaged during the winter holidays. A grandmother helps her grandson light candles during a Christmas service at Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church in Kodiak, Alaska. (© Design Pics Inc./Alamy Stock Photo) For Christians, the holiday marks the anniversary of Jesus’ birth some 2,000 years ago, and in the United States — as in other countries — the faithful attend church services.

Most Americans, including non-Christians, exchange gifts, such as homemade cookies and other baked treats. In many U.S. cities, Christmas carolers stroll residential neighborhoods or gather in public squares, singing traditional carols and spreading cheer. And every December, the president lights the National Christmas Tree in Washington in a ceremony open to the public. During December, the White House is bedecked with evergreen wreaths and several Christmas trees — each trimmed with ornaments handmade by artisans from every region of the United States. The National Christmas Tree (with the White House partly visible in the background) is a festive sight in Washington during the month of December. (© Getty Images) The White House also opens its doors to Americans from all walks of life to tour the specially decorated public rooms. Those who cannot travel to Washington can view the holiday decorations via webcam . Americans: People of many faiths and traditions Americans are adherents of many faiths, and the U.S. winter holiday season embraces that diversity. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which falls in late November to late December (varying from year to year), commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago.

Hanukkah is celebrated over a period of eight nights and days, and observed by kindling the lights on a nine-branched candelabrum called a menorah. A colorful menorah and other items, including a bright blue dreidel, signal the arrival of Hanukkah. (© Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Hanukkah festivities include playing dreidel (a game of chance using a four-sided spinning top inscribed with Hebrew letters), eating foods such as doughnuts and latkes, and — as with Christmas — exchanging gifts. Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations typically feature gift exchanges. Here, a gay couple and their child unwrap holiday gifts. (© Dash/Alamy Stock Photo) A Hanukkah menorah is lit at the White House each year, a custom inaugurated by President Clinton in 1993. In 2001, President George W. Bush began holding annual White House Hanukkah parties, which have continued. Medasi Mobley, age 4, warms up for a drumming performance at a Kwanzaa celebration in Santa Ana, California. (© Allen J.

Schaben/Getty Images) Each year since 1966, millions of African Americans have connected with their African cultural and historical roots by celebrating Kwanzaa from December 26 to January 1. Honoring family, community and culture are at the heart of Kwanzaa, which families observe by decorating their homes with African-inspired art, African kente cloth and fruits that symbolize African idealism. Ceremonies may include drumming, musical performances and a candle-lighting ritual, culminating in a feast known as karamu. Today, many African-American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas. The U.S. winter holiday season concludes with New Year’s celebrations, and although New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1, the festivities begin the night before — on New Year’s Eve. Americans — like millions around the world — herald the new year as a time for fresh beginnings, with hope for a better future and resolutions to improve one’s behavior. On New Year’s Eve, Americans host parties and attend concerts, fireworks displays and other special gatherings. Festivities differ from place to place, with regional variations on well-known customs.

In a tradition that dates from 1907, New Yorkers famously count down to the midnight hour in Times Square, where thousands congregate to watch a crystal ball drop from the sky at the appointed hour. Millions of Americans nationwide watch the televised countdown. Young revelers in New York’s Times Square cheer the arrival of 2015. (EPA/Jason Szenes) But residents of Easton, Maryland, drop a crab instead of a crystal ball, a nod to the Maryland coastline and its abundant seafood. In Mount Olive, North Carolina, residents gather to watch a giant, glowing pickle drop, and in Tempe, Arizona, the locals celebrate by dropping a giant tortilla chip. In Plymouth, Wisconsin, an oversized mound of cheese descends, in tribute to the city’s dairy-based economy. New Year’s Day is marked by parades and U.S.-style football games in some U.S. cities, and in most communities, the first baby to be born on New Year’s Day is honored with gifts and media coverage. In addition, New Year’s Day abounds with rituals and superstitions brought to the United States by many immigrant groups.

For example, it’s considered good luck to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day in Southern states, a tradition traced to Asia and Africa. Cabbage and sauerkraut, to represent prosperity and long life, are Eastern European contributions to New Year’s dinner. Immigrants of various nationalities believed that loud noises drive away the bad spirits of the past year and ensure a new year free of evil. So making noise to welcome the New Year remains ingrained in American New Year’s celebrations, in the form of fireworks, whistles and party noisemakers. TAGS Kwanzaa - A Winter Celebration Last Updated: Apr 21st, 2011 - 14:44:53 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa The Festival of Kwanzaa The Festival of Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. It begins the day after Christmas and ends on New Year's Day. This time period was chosen because it corresponds with the end of the year celebrations in America. Kwanzaa celebrates the African American people, their culture, and their history. It is a time of reflection and community gatherings. Kwanzaa was created by Dr.

Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966, during a time when African Americans were focused on a struggle to gain equality in America. Other powerful political influences of the time included Martin Luther King, Black Power, and the Civil Rights Movement. The 1960s were a time when people searched for freedom, self identity, and joined major revolutionary movements. The very first Festival of Kwanzaa was celebrated on December 26, 1966. Africans and African Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice this winter holiday. The purpose of Kwanzaa is to bring African Americans together in celebration of their black culture. This is a holiday specific to the needs of African American growth and development, and rejuvenation of the principles recognized by them. It has no claims or ties with any specific religion. Dr. Karenga gained his inspiration in creating this holiday from the harvest festivals celebrated throughout Africa. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Kiswahili phrase meaning fresh fruit, or matunda ya Kwanza. He added the extra a at the end of the word Kwanzaa to add to its significance.

This holiday carries some of the same characteristics as the harvest festivals, such as setting aside a designated time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the crops and harvest, giving thanks to the creator for a good harvest and full life, celebrating ancestors and the past, allowing people to recommit themselves to their community, and celebrating culture and the promise of next year. These very same ideas also helped to inspire Dr. Karenga to develop the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Those Seven Principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The first principle Umoja, or unity, means unity of family, community, nation, and race. The second principle Kujichagulia, means self determination and stands for being responsible for oneself and creating your own destiny. Number three Ujima, means collective work and responsibility, or building and maintaining a community together. Four is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics. This means that everyone must build, maintain, and support their own stores, establishments, and businesses. The fifth principle is Nia, meaning purpose.

The purpose of this holiday is to restore African American people to their traditional greatness and to be responsible to ones ancestors and descendants. The sixth principle is Kuumba. This means creativity in using your imagination to improve communities and what you inherited. The seventh and final principle is Imani, meaning faith. It encourages people to believe in themselves as a whole, believe in their families, educators, leaders, and the righteousness of the African American struggle. Along with these Seven Principles are Seven Symbols. These items are arranged in an area of the home set up as an alter, usually a table. The seven symbols are as follows: 1 - Mkeka: The Mat is what everything else rests upon at the makeshift alter. It symbolizes experiences, culture, achievements, and sacrifices the ancestors made upon which lives are built. 2 - Kikombe cha Umoja: The Unity Cup represents family and community unity. When its filled with a chosen substance (usually water, juice, or wine) a bit is poured out as a reminder and respect for ancestors, and everyone then takes a sip from the cup. 3 - Mazao: The Crops are the fruits and vegetables resulting from the harvest.

Samples of the harvest are placed on the Mkeka, shared, and then eaten to honor the work of the people it took to grow them. 4 - Kinara: The Candleholder holds the seven candles that represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. This is also placed on the Mkeka and a new candle is lit every night. 5 - Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles represent the Seven Principles but also are the colors of the Bandera or African Flag. The candles are red, green, and the one in the middle is black. 6 - Muhindi: The Corn represents children and the future of the family. One suke (ear) of corn is placed on the Mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no kids then one is placed on the Mkeka to represent the children of the community. This symbol also represents Native Americans, the first inhabitants of the land. It is important to acknowledge and respect their contribution to the culture and ancestors of the African American. 7 - Zawadi: Gifts are given to children during Kwanzaa to make them better people. They are usually a heritage symbol such as a book or video.

These educational items are to remind them of the glory of the past and the promise of the future. The fourth symbol, the Kinara, holds the seven candles. The order from left to right is three red, one black, and three green. Each night one family member (usually the youngest) lights one of the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) in the Kinara and discusses one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. The black one is lit first. The next night the farthest red on the left is lit, then the next night the farthest green on the right, and so on and so forth. The black candle represents the faces of the people, the red represents the blood shed by the people, and the green stands for the color of the motherland and hope. On the sixth day, which is New Years Eve, family and friends gather, have a feast, and celebrate their history, culture, and the upcoming new year. This holiday although a fairly recent addition to our nations history, is no less recognized for its unifying properties and is a living preservation of African American ideals, beliefs, and culture.

Source: Holidays on the Net, Doug USA, A & E Television Networks, Americans.net © Copyright 2004 by Classbrain.com Kwanzaa: History, Food, Colors, Candles, Symbols, Activites, Crafts, 7 Principles Martin Luther King, Jr., Day The year 2016 will see the 50th annual Kwanzaa , the African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It is estimated that some 18 million African Americans take part in Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga , a professor of Black Studies, in 1966. At this time of great social change for African Americans, Karenga sought to design a celebration that would honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress. Kwanzaa is based on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years.

The name comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits of the harvest." Karenga chose a phrase from Swahili because the language is used by various peoples throughout Africa. The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa honors a different principle. These principles are believed to have been key to building strong, productive families and communities in Africa. During Kwanzaa, celebrants greet each other with "Habari gani," or "What's the news?" The principles of Kwanzaa form the answers.

The Principles of Kwanzaa Action: building a community that holds together kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Action: speaking for yourself and making choices that benefit the community ujima (oo-JEE-mah) Meaning: collective work and responsibility Action: helping others within the community ujamaa (oo-JAH-ma) Action: supporting businesses that care about the community nia (nee-AH) Meaning: a sense of purpose Action: setting goals that benefit the community kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Action: making the community better and more beautiful imani (ee-MAH-nee) Meaning: faith Action: believing that a better world can be created for communities now and in the future Colorful Celebrations Families gather for the great feast of karamu on December 31. Karamu may be held at a home, community center, or church. Celebrants enjoy traditional African dishes as well as those featuring ingredients Africans brought to the United States, such as sesame seeds (benne), peanuts (groundnuts), sweet potatoes, collard greens, and spicy sauces.

Especially at karamu, Kwanzaa is celebrated with red, black, and green. These three colors were important symbols in ancient Africa that gained new recognition through the efforts of Marcus Garvey's Black Nationalist movement. Green is for the fertile land of Africa; black is for the color of the people; and red is the for the blood that is shed in the struggle for freedom. The Seven Symbols Celebrants decorate with red, black, and green as well as African-style textiles and art. At the heart of Kwanzaa imagery, however, are the seven symbols. The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa kikombe cha umoja Meaning: the unity cup Action: Celebrants drink from this cup in honor of their African ancestors. Before drinking, each person says "harambee," or "let's pull together." kinara Meaning: the candleholder, which holds seven candles Action: It said to symbolize stalks of corn that branch off to form new stalks, much as the human family is created. mazao Meaning: fruits, nuts, and vegetables Action: These remind celebrants of the harvest fruits that nourished the people of Africa.

mishumaa saba Meaning: the seven candles that represent the seven principles Action: A different candle is lit each day. Three candles on the left are green; three on the right are red; and in the middle is a black candle. mkeka Meaning: mat Action: The symbols of Kwanzaa are arranged on the mkeka, which may be made of straw or African cloth. It symbolizes the foundation upon which communities are built. vibunzi (plural, muhindi) Action: Traditionally, one ear of corn is placed on the mkeka for each child present. zawadi Meaning: gifts Action: Traditionally, educational and cultural gifts are given to children on January 1, the last day of Kwanzaa. More from Winter Holiday Roundup Did you know? Winter Holiday Activities for the Middle and High School Classroom Winter Holiday Activities for the Middle and High School Classroom Students Can Mark Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice By Melissa Kelly Updated October 12, 2016. How can teachers, especially in public schools, use the December holidays to their advantage?

One way is to celebrate customs and holidays from around the world with students using a variety of activities. Here are some ideas for meaningful and educational activities for students ahead of their winter break, making use of holiday themes celebrated near the end of the year. Christmas According to Christian belief, Jesus was the son of God born to a virgin in a manger. Countries around the world celebrate this holiday in various ways. Each of these customs as described below are ripe for investigation by students. Christmas Around the World Costa Rica - The weather is warm at Christmastime. Trees are popular. Tamales and Empanadas are traditionally eaten. England - Santa Claus is known here by the name Father Christmas. Christmas trees are decorated and stockings are hung. A drink called Wassail is served. Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26th which is also the feast day of St. Stephen. On this day, it is traditional to give alms to the poor and less fortunate. continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know France - A popular dessert called the "buche de noel" or "Christmas Log" is consumed on Christmas.

Often, a feast occurs after Midnight Mass on Christmas eve called the "rveillon." Gifts are given by "pere noel" which means Father Christmas. He travels with a man called Pre Fouettard who tells pere noel how the children behaved during the previous year. In some parts of France, gifts are given on both December 6th (St. Nicholas' feast day) and on Christmas. Adults give gifts on New Years. Italy - Christmas is celebrated with a large feast after a 24-hour fast before Christmas. Children usually do not receive their presents until January 6th, the day of the Epiphany. These gifts are brought by Le Befana, a woman who flies around on a broom. Kenya - Lots of food is prepared, especially goat. They serve a flat bread called chapatis. Groups often go singing house to house and receive gifts of some kind from the occupants. On Christmas, these singers give any gifts to their church. United States - Christmas trees, real or artificial, are put up in homes early in December. They are usually decorated with multi-color lights and various ornaments. Stockings are hung, often on the fireplace mantel.

On Christmas eve, children set out cookies or other goodies for Santa Claus. On Christmas morning, children rush to the tree to see the gifts there and in their stockings. Ideas for Christmas-Themed Projects Investigate the legend of Santa Claus. Investigate different aspects of the Christmas celebration including the tree, the decorations, the stockings, the carols and more. Perform Christmas songs in either English or other languages. Investigate traditional foods for each culture and create them for the rest of the class to sample. Present skits representing each cultures' customs. In many countries, Christmas celebrations are becoming more like those in America. Debate whether the loss of the countries' traditional celebrations is good or bad. Read O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi" and discuss its meaning. Students could write in their journals about numerous topics including: Worst Christmas experience What Santa Claus means to them Is Christmas too commercial? Winter Solstice The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year when the sun is closest to the earth, occurs on the 21st of December. In ancient times, this was celebrated by various methods by Pagan religions. Groups ranging from Germanic tribes to the Roman populace celebrated mid-winter festivals during our month of December.

Of course today, three major holidays are celebrated in America during the month of December: Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. We can create our own festival allowing us to experience how other cultures celebrate these holidays. Method of Presentation Many methods exist for creating this festival atmosphere. These range from simple classroom stations presented by groups of students about each culture to schoolwide activities that take place in a large auditorium/cafeteria and allow for more than just static presentations. Students can sing, cook, give presentations, perform skits, and more. This is a great opportunity to have students work cooperatively in groups to gather information about holidays and customs. Chanukah This holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated over eight days beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. In 165 BCE, the Jews led by the Maccabees defeated the Greeks in war. When they arrived to rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem they found only one small flask of oil to light the Menorah . Miraculously, this oil lasted for eight days.

On Chanukah: Every night for the eight days of the festival of Chanukah, lights are lit on a Menorah to commemorate the miracle at the Temple over 2000 years ago. While work is not prohibited, people generally refrain from work while the Chanukah lights are lit. The dreidel is used by families to play a game. The history behind this game played during Chanukah is believed to relate back to a ban on work while the Chanukah candles are lit. Those celebrating the holiday eat traditionally ​ oily foods to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Children are given presents and money during the holiday. Many families give out presents each day of the holiday. This relates to rewarding children for Torah study. Many different traditions exist around the world for this celebration. Read about a few of these here . Ideas for Chanukah Presentations In addition to adapting the ideas listed above for Christmas celebrations, here are some ideas for Chanukah-themed projects. Students can: Research the background to Chanukah Perform Chanukah songs Kwanzaa Kwanzaa, meaning "the first fruits," was developed in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

It gives African-Americans a holiday dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and promoting African-American culture. It focuses on seven principles with emphasis on the unity of the black family: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. This holiday is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st. On each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, greetings are exchanged in Swahili. The question, 'Habari gani?' is asked and each day the principle for that day is the answer. For example, the first day's answer would be 'Umoja' or unity. Gifts are given to children and include a book and a heritage symbol. The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black, and green. Seven candles in a Kinara are lit, one for each day of the holiday. One is black and represents the people. This candle is lit first. Three red candles are placed to the left of the black candle representing the struggle for African Americans. Three green candles are placed to the right of the black candle representing the future and hope. These candles are lit from left to right, one for each day.

Ideas for Kwanzaa Presentations Have students discuss each of the seven principles and why they are important. Students can discuss the necessity of holidays in making up group identities. Speakers can come in to discuss Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated. U.S. Winter Holidays: Kwanzaa | America.gov Blogs U.S. Winter Holidays: Kwanzaa by Jane Morse Winter in America is full of religious and cultural celebrations that highlight the many heritages and interests of the American people. Perhaps no winter holiday celebrated in the United States is as quintessentially American as Kwanzaa, the first specifically African-American holiday. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga (born Ronald McKinley Everett), an African-American author, political activist, and university professor in California. The holiday, celebrated December 26 through January 1, took root quickly during an era marked by the African-American struggle for full civil rights and equality. A cultural but not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa – from the Swahili word for first fruits of the harvest – reaffirms the connectedness of all African Americans to their origins in Africa and celebrates family, community and African culture.

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa, the family lights one candle to remember the following principles and goals: Umoja (Unity); Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity); and Imani (Faith). Kwanzaa is also celebrated on a national level. The American Museum of Natural History , for example, will hold a daylong event celebrating Kwanzaa. The Baltimore Museum of Art will give instructional classes on the principles of Kwanzaa and teach activities such as making an African headdress or fly whisk. And the Black History Museum in Alexandria, Virginia will offer instruction on how best to incorporate Kwanzaa into family holiday traditions In 2008, a documentary film about Kwanzaa was released entitled The Black Candle . Featuring Maya Angelou, a renowned African-American poet, author and activist, the film attempts to raise awareness among all Americans regarding the impact of Kwanzaa on the African-American spirit.

Kwanzaa - A Winter Festival | ClassBrain Holidays Kwanzaa by classbrain | Jul 15, 2006 | December , Kwanzaa | 0 comments Kwanzaa Celebration – photo courtesy of The Black Hour CC-2.0 The Festival of Kwanzaa The Festival of Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. It begins the day after Christmas and ends on New Year’s Day. This time period was chosen because it corresponds with the end of the year celebrations in America. Kwanzaa celebrates the African American people, their culture, and their history. It is a time of reflection and community gatherings. Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966, during a time when African Americans were focused on a struggle to gain equality in America. Other powerful political influences of the time included Martin Luther King, Black Power, and the Civil Rights Movement. The 1960s were a time when people searched for freedom, self identity, and joined major revolutionary movements. The very first Festival of Kwanzaa was celebrated on December 26, 1966.

Africans and African Americans of all religious faiths and backgrounds practice this winter holiday. The purpose of Kwanzaa is to bring African Americans together in celebration of their black culture. This is a holiday specific to the needs of African American growth and development, and rejuvenation of the principles recognized by them. It has no claims or ties with any specific religion. Dr. Karenga gained his inspiration in creating this holiday from the harvest festivals celebrated throughout Africa. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Kiswahili phrase meaning fresh fruit, or matunda ya Kwanza. He added the extra a at the end of the word Kwanzaa to add to its significance. This holiday carries some of the same characteristics as the harvest festivals, such as setting aside a designated time to gather with family and friends to celebrate the crops and harvest, giving thanks to the creator for a good harvest and full life, celebrating ancestors and the past, allowing people to recommit themselves to their community, and celebrating culture and the promise of next year. These very same ideas also helped to inspire Dr. Karenga to develop the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.

Those Seven Principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The first principle Umoja, or unity, means unity of family, community, nation, and race. The second principle Kujichagulia, means self determination and stands for being responsible for oneself and creating your own destiny. Number three Ujima, means collective work and responsibility, or building and maintaining a community together. Four is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics. This means that everyone must build, maintain, and support their own stores, establishments, and businesses. The fifth principle is Nia, meaning purpose. The purpose of this holiday is to restore African American people to their traditional greatness and to be responsible to ones ancestors and descendants. The sixth principle is Kuumba. This means creativity in using your imagination to improve communities and what you inherited. The seventh and final principle is Imani, meaning faith. It encourages people to believe in themselves as a whole, believe in their families, educators, leaders, and the righteousness of the African American struggle. Along with these Seven Principles are Seven Symbols. These items are arranged in an area of the home set up as an alter, usually a table.

The seven symbols are as follows: 1 – Mkeka: The Mat is what everything else rests upon at the makeshift alter. It symbolizes experiences, culture, achievements, and sacrifices the ancestors made upon which lives are built. 2 – Kikombe cha Umoja: The Unity Cup represents family and community unity. When its filled with a chosen substance (usually water, juice, or wine) a bit is poured out as a reminder and respect for ancestors, and everyone then takes a sip from the cup. 3 – Mazao: The Crops are the fruits and vegetables resulting from the harvest. Samples of the harvest are placed on the Mkeka, shared, and then eaten to honor the work of the people it took to grow them. 4 – Kinara: The Candleholder holds the seven candles that represent the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. This is also placed on the Mkeka and a new candle is lit every night. 5 – Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles represent the Seven Principles but also are the colors of the Bandera or African Flag. The candles are red, green, and the one in the middle is black.

6 – Muhindi: The Corn represents children and the future of the family. One suke (ear) of corn is placed on the Mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no kids then one is placed on the Mkeka to represent the children of the community. This symbol also represents Native Americans, the first inhabitants of the land. It is important to acknowledge and respect their contribution to the culture and ancestors of the African American. 7 – Zawadi: Gifts are given to children during Kwanzaa to make them better people. They are usually a heritage symbol such as a book or video. These educational items are to remind them of the glory of the past and the promise of the future. The fourth symbol, the Kinara, holds the seven candles. The order from left to right is three red, one black, and three green. Each night one family member (usually the youngest) lights one of the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) in the Kinara and discusses one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. The black one is lit first.

The next night the farthest red on the left is lit, then the next night the farthest green on the right, and so on and so forth. The black candle represents the faces of the people, the red represents the blood shed by the people, and the green stands for the color of the motherland and hope. On the sixth day, which is New Years Eve, family and friends gather, have a feast, and celebrate their history, culture, and the upcoming new year. This holiday although a fairly recent addition to our nations history, is no less recognized for its unifying properties and is a living preservation of African American ideals, beliefs, and culture. Source: Holidays on the Net, Doug USA, A & E Television Networks, Americans.net Kwanzaa (until Jan 1) in the United States Home Calendar Holidays the United States Kwanzaa (until Jan 1) Kwanzaa (until Jan 1) in the United States Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday honoring African culture and traditions. It falls between December 26 and January 1 each year.

Maulana Karenga, an African-American leader, proposed this observance and it was first celebrated between December 1966 and January 1967. A candle stick holding seven candles is symbolic of Kwanzaa in the United States. A candle stick holding seven candles is symbolic of Kwanzaa in the United States. ©iStockphoto.com/Steve Jacobs What Do People Do? Kwanzaa is a holiday honoring the culture and traditions of people of African origin. It is celebrated by people from a range of African countries and their descendants. Kwanzaa consists of a week of celebrations, which ends with a feast and the exchange of gifts. During the celebrations, candles are lit and libations are poured. A libation is the name given to a ritual pouring of a drink as an offering to a god. During Kwanzaa, a wooden unity cup is used to pour the libations. A Kwanzaa ceremony often also includes performance of music and drumming, a reflection on the Pan-African colors of red, green and black and a discussion of some aspect of African history. Women often wear brightly colored traditional clothing.

Some cultural organizations hold special exhibitions of African influenced art or performances during the period of the celebrations. Originally the people observing Kwanzaa did not mix any elements of other festivals into their celebrations. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly common for people to mix elements of Kwanzaa with Christmas or New Year celebrations. For instance, a family may have both a Christmas tree and a Kwanzaa candle stick on display in their home. This enables them to include both Christian and African inspired traditions in their lives at this time of year. Public Life Apart from New Year's Day (January 1), the days on which Kwanzaa falls are not public holidays. It is largely a private celebration observed by individuals, families and local communities. However, it falls between Christmas and New Year's Day, when some businesses and organizations may be closed or run fewer services. If you need to do business with a company or organization with an African-American orientation during this period, it may be wise to check whether they are open as usual.

Symbols The main symbols of Kwanzaa are a mat, on which to put the things needed for the celebration, the unity cup used to pour libations, a candle stick holding seven candles, the seven candles, ears of corn, the Kwanzaa flag and a poster depicting the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: unity; self-determination; collective work and responsibility; co-operative economics; purpose; creativity; and earth. The colors of Kwanzaa are red, black and green. The Kwanzaa flag consists of three blocks, one in each of these colors. Three of the seven candles are red, three are green and one is black. Each candle represents one of the principles of Kwanzaa. The candle holder is carved from a single piece of wood and its shape was inspired by the form of the Ashanti royal throne. Background Kwanzaa was first celebrated in December 1966 and January 1967. The holiday was proposed by Maulana Karenga to give those of African descent a holiday to celebrate their own cultural heritage and the key values of family and community.

Although seen as an alternative to Christmas and thus possibly anti-Christian in the early years, many people now observe aspects of both festivals. In 1997 and 2004, the United States Postal Service honored Kwanzaa by issuing stamps depicting an aspect of the festival. In 1997, the stamp was designed by Synthia Saint James and showed an African-American family observing the celebrations. In 2004, the stamp was designed by Daniel Minter and shows seven figures representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa gained popularity quite quickly. It is now estimated that about 13 percent of African-Americans (nearly five million people) celebrate the festival in some way. Kwanzaa (until Jan 1) Observances Select another year-range: The Official Kwanzaa Web Site - Kwanzaa African American Celebration of Family, Community and Culture by Maulana Karenga Dr. Maulana Karenga As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense.

Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice. Moreover, given the continued rapid growth of Kwanzaa and the parallel expanded discussion of it and related issues, an authoritative source which aids in both framing and informing the discussion is likewise of the greatest importance. Therefore, the central interest of this website is to provide information which reveals and reaffirms the integrity, beauty and expansive meaning of the holiday and thus aids in our approaching it with the depth of thought, dignity, and sense of specialness it deserves. The holiday, then will of necessity, be engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture. It is within this understanding, then, that the Organization Us, the founding organization of Kwanzaa and the authoritative keeper of the tradition, has established and maintains this website.

/////// /////// /////// 1000+ images about KWANZAA on Pinterest | Image search, Book show and Allah Forward Happy Kwanzaa Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is a week-long celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the Western African diaspora in the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.[1] Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67. #HappyKwanzaa ❤️⚫️ 2

Question: What African-American winter holiday was first celebrated in 1966?
Answer: Kwanzaa