Kwanzaa Basics: What Planners Need to Know
Although Kwanzaa made its first appearance in 1966, it is already celebrated by more than 18 million people around the world. This African American holiday lasts for a full week, from December 26 through January 1, and includes feasting, music, culture and even gifts, or zawadi. The final event is typically a large feast.
And although it tends to be a more casual and informal series of events, it is often tied into community and cultural happenings so some of the gatherings can become quite large, requiring the use of professional planners to make sure all the details run smoothly.
Here’s what you need to know about Kwanzaa, in case you want to make it part of your service offerings.
What It’s About
Unlike Christmas, Kwanzaa is not a religious celebration, but a cultural one, honoring African roots, cultures and traditions. With its close proximity to Christmas and New Years, it has become acceptable in some places to blend the lines between the holidays; for example, a Christmas tree can be part of the Kwanzaa festivities.
Kwanzaa, however, does have symbols of its own and it’s important to make sure that these play a prominent role throughout the week.
The Symbols
The feasting table or place of honor should have a woven mat that serves as a base for the following items:
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A unity cup, typically made from a piece of wood and used to offer libations to the higher powers.
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A candlestick carved from one piece of wood that holds seven candles, three green on one side, three red on the other side, and a black candle in the center. The candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa, such as community, sharing and family.
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Fresh fruit and vegetables, representing the “first fruits of the harvest,” the Swahili translation of the word “Kwanzaa.”
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Ears of corn, symbolizing children.
Optional symbols include a Pan African Kwaznaa flag and a poster containing the seven principles.
You Also Need to Know…
Kwanzaa colors are red, green, black; some also include a bright yellow into the palette. These colors are woven throughout the event in African artifacts, artwork, textiles and other decorations. Many websites offer Kwanzaa decor items.
One of the traditions is giving gifts, called zawadi. Some groups choose to give only to the children, while others include adults as well. Books are mandatory gifts, but other cultural items are common as well, reflecting the spirit that the celebration is about cultural, social and spiritual renewal.
Kwanzaa is for Everyone
Finally, the celebration may have its origin in African American culture, but everyone can join in the fun regardless of ethnic background. After all, it’s about community and sharing, so it’s especially meaningful to include a diverse guest list to ring in the new year.