African heritage comes alive during Kwanzaa
Published:Saturday | December 28, 2024 | 12:06 AM
Kwanzaa is a unique cultural celebration rooted in African traditions and heritage. Observed annually from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa honours the African diaspora’s history, values, and contributions.
Kwanzaa celebrations were introduced to Jamaica by the late Queen Mother Mariamne Samad, a pan-Africanist and Garveyite. It is also commemorated in countries with large African descendant populations, such as the United States, France, Canada, and Brazil.
THE HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF KWANZAA
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies and an activist in the Black Power movement. He developed the holiday as a means of fostering unity and pride among African Americans during a time of racial unrest in the United States.
The name “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, meaning “first fruits”, which refers to traditional harvest celebrations in various African cultures.
Dr Karenga drew inspiration from African harvest festivals such as the Ashanti and Zulu traditions. He designed Kwanzaa as a secular holiday, focusing on shared African heritage rather than religious affiliations. Kwanzaa’s seven principles ( Nguzo Saba), seven symbols, and daily rituals reflect a commitment to cultural reaffirmation and collective progress.
“The celebration of Kwanzaa is about embracing ethical principles and values so the goodness of the world can be shared and enjoyed by us and everyone,” Dr Karenga said.
WHAT KWANZAA REPRESENTS
Kwanzaa is more than a holiday; it is a time for reflection, unity, and recommitment to values that strengthen communities. At its core are the Nguzo Saba, the seven guiding principles:
1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
2. Kujichagulia (Self-determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
3. Ujima (Collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and solve our problems collectively.
4. Ujamaa (Cooperative economics): To build and maintain our stores, shops, and businesses and profit from them together.
5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community.
6. Kuumba (Creativity): To always do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people, parents, teachers, leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.
Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of these principles, providing a framework for meaningful reflection and action.
HOW KWANZAA IS CELEBRATED
Kwanzaa celebrations often include communal gatherings, storytelling, music, and dance. Central to the observance are the following symbols:
• Mkeka (Mat): Represents tradition and history.
• Kinara (Candleholder): Holds seven candles, each representing one of the principles.
• Mishumaa Saba (Seven candles): Lit each day to signify the principle being celebrated.
• Mazao (Crops): Symbolise African harvest and the rewards of collective labour.
• Kikombe cha Umoja (Unity cup): Used in libation ceremonies to honour ancestors.
• Zawadi (Gifts): Given to children to emphasise education, growth, and community values.
• Muhindi (Corn): Represents children and the future.
The culminating event is the Karamu, a feast held on December 31 that celebrates African culture and communal achievements. Foods served often reflect African or African-inspired dishes, along with shared traditions from the African diaspora.
KWANZAA AND ITS RELEVANCE IN JAMAICA
While Kwanzaa originated in the United States, its principles resonate strongly in Jamaica, a nation with deep African roots. Jamaica’s culture, music, and traditions have long been shaped by African influences, making Kwanzaa a natural fit for those seeking to honor their heritage.
Jamaica’s observance of Kwanzaa began to gain prominence in the late 20th century, particularly among cultural and pan-African organisations. Groups like the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and other local African heritage organisations have played a pivotal role in promoting the celebration.
Kwanzaa in Jamaica is observed through community events, educational programmes, and artistic performances.
HOW KWANZAA IS CELEBRATED IN JAMAICA
• Educational workshops: Schools and cultural centres host sessions to teach about African heritage, the principles of Kwanzaa, and its significance.
• Cultural performances: Traditional drumming, storytelling, and dance are integral to Kwanzaa events, highlighting Jamaica’s vibrant African-derived cultural expressions.
• Community gatherings: Families and communities come together for feasts, candle-lighting ceremonies, and discussions about the principles of Kwanzaa.
• Art and crafts exhibitions: Artists and craftsmen showcase works inspired by African themes, emphasising creativity (Kuumba).
• Spiritual reflection: Libation ceremonies and moments of prayer or meditation honour ancestors and reaffirm faith (Imani).
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KWANZAA
• Kwanzaa is a secular holiday but can complement religious celebrations such as Christmas.
• The holiday’s focus on cooperative economics (Ujamaa) aligns with Jamaica’s emphasis on community empowerment and self-reliance.
• The colors of Kwanzaa – red, black, and green – are also significant in Jamaican culture, symbolising struggle, unity, and hope.
• Kwanzaa emphasises environmental sustainability by incorporating natural and reusable decorations.
• Many Jamaicans use Kwanzaa as an opportunity to connect with African traditions, explore genealogy, and strengthen cultural pride.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KWANZAA IN JAMAICA
• Queen Mother Mariamne Samad, who introduced Kwanzaa to Jamaica, was born in the United States and became a member of Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association. She got married to a Jamaican with whom she settled upon his return to Jamaica after he retired. The last Kwanza she observed in Jamaica was in 2019. She died later that year.
• Despite the efforts of Samad and a few others, Kwanzaa does not have a large following in Jamaica.
• Jamaica is home to several pan-African organisations that actively promote Kwanzaa, such as the Rastafari Indigenous Village in Montego Bay, St James.
• Jamaican schools often incorporate Kwanzaa themes into end-of-year activities, teaching children about African culture and heritage.
• Jamaican Kwanzaa feasts frequently feature local dishes such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, and callaloo, blending African traditions with Caribbean flavours.
• The celebration in Jamaica often includes reggae and drumming performances, reinforcing the connection between African rhythms and Jamaican music.
• Kwanzaa in Jamaica has become a platform for addressing social and economic issues, such as youth empowerment and community development.
CONCLUSION
Kwanzaa is a celebration of identity, community, and resilience that transcends geographic boundaries. In Jamaica, its observance provides a meaningful way to honour African heritage while addressing contemporary social challenges.
Whether through communal feasts, artistic expressions, or educational programmes, Kwanzaa continues to inspire unity and cultural pride in Jamaica and around the world.