Kwanzaa: The Afrikan American Celebration to Practice Everyday
Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is an African American Holiday!
This week-long celebration is held in the United States and in other nations of the African diaspora. It was created in 1965 by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966. The celebration honors Afrikan heritage and culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
Kwanzaa is one of the 1st specifically African-American holidays. According to Karenga, the name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits of the harvest." The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s.
Another African American Celebration feast, that is held traditionally on the 4th Sunday of the month of November, is Umoja Karamu (Unity Feast); Created by Dr. Edward Sims in 1971. http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/2015/11/2015-umoja-karamu-unity-feast.html - This feast recognizes 5 key periods of Black History in the Americas.
Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the Black Panther poor people's empowerment movement of the 1960s and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation, the study of African traditions, and Nguzo Saba, the "seven principles of African Heritage" which Karenga said, "is a communitarian African philosophy". For Karenga, a leader in the Black Panther Power movement in California, of the 1960s and 1970s, the creation of such holidays also emphasized an essential premise that "you must have a cultural revolution before any other revolution. The cultural revolution gives identity, purpose, and direction."
Kwanzaa has 7 core principles called Nguzo Saba. (The Nguzo Saba means: Principles Seven-) to guide and direct the path of liberation:
Umoja means unity.
Kujichagulia means self-determination.
Ujima means collective working together.
Ujamaa means cooperative Economics
Nia means purpose.
Kuumba means a handmade basket to represent creativity.
Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves.
Each day of the celebration is noted to celebrate a specific principle. The Swahili greeting of Habari Gani? is a question: What's the News? And the proper response is the principle of that day.
Day 1 Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Day 2 Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Day 3 Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
Day 4 Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Day 5 Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Day 6 Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Day 7 Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
There are 7 symbols that are represented for the harvest display:
Mkeka—woven mat: Symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build
Kinara—candle holder: Symbolic of our roots, our parent people—continental Africans
Mishumaa Saba—the seven candles: Symbolic of the Nguzo Saba (7 principles), 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
Mazao—crops: Symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor
Muhindi—corn: Symbolic of our children and our future which they embody
Kikombe cha Umoja—unity cup: Symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible
Zawadi—gifts: Symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
Secondary Symbols and Swahili terms during Kwanzaa
I. NGUZO SABA (En-GOO-zoh Sah-BAH) Poster is on display and Symbolizes the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which were developed by Maulana Ron Karenga. The Nguzo Saba are social principles dealing with ways for us to relate to each other and rebuild our lives in our own images.
II. BENDERA YA TAIFA The Red Black and Green flag of African Unity symbolizes the struggle for Liberation. The Red represents the blood of our ancestors; Black is the collective color of all Black people, and Green reminds us of the land, life, and new ideas we must continue to strive to obtain.
https://amen-ankh.blogspot.com/2017/02/every-afrakan-indigo-should-have-hand.html
III. TAMBIKO Is the libation by which honor is given in a special way to our Creator Spirit, Neter/Neteru; Aku /Ancestors; Peret: Seeds, and Anu: Siblings- All life in the present and All newly born that we are called to carry out the struggle and the work that has begun. It clearly symbolizes the recognition of and respect for the contributions of those before us, our history, and the models it offers us to emulate.
IV. HARAMBEE Symbolizes a call to unity and collective work and struggle. The word means Let's pull together!
V. HABARI GANI What's the news; what's happening Swahili term used when greeting others.
VI. KWAHERI Swahili term used as an expression of parting with good wishes and an expectancy to meet again.
At Amen Par Ankh we would like to encourage you to Practice Kwanzaa EVERYDAY!*NIA- KNOW YOUR PURPOSE! Contact Amen Par Ankh to learn more about your Destiny (Purpose), Health, Career and Relationship Readings from our Ancient Ancestors
*UMOJA- Called to Unity! Culture is Revolutionary and Unifying to a people. Speak words to life and power. Learn and speak an Afrikan Language like Swahili or your choice of Afrikan language(s) in your home and family! We speak the KMT language of our ancestors (often referred to as Egyptians) Prepare traditional foods that are healthy and memorable. We grow and prepare life-giving vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
*KUJICHAGULIA- At Adenike's Arts, we make handcrafted and Graphic media designs. We teach our Youth with Amen Ankh- AfRaKa KRST (African) Centered Educational materials.
*IMANI- Faith- We Pour libations to your Aku/Ancestors. We celebrate with home blessings and ceremonies for the circle of life. Create memorable spaces to display your Family members and their favorite things to pay tribute to their memory.
*UJIMA and KUUMBA- Grow your own foods and Make your own Products and Buy and Sell as Black-owned businesses.
* UJAMAA- Remember that Eco-Nomics is a family-based system. Share home-cooked meals and sit down together with your family. Have books and Read about your history to one another, Gather your human capital and share your resources.
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/kwanzaa.html
Amen Par Ankh (sacred temple of life) and Amen Ankh Academy; is a virtual homeschool network, in the heart of midtown Kansas City, Missouri. Contact our Minister and Director: Nuta Adenike AmenRa Moses El and become a member of our Gnome Ma'afia- as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life! Email: amen.ankh@live.com, and Call: 816-281-7704 to sign-up for Spiritual readings, and life coaching courses and support: PAYPAL: amen.parankh@gmail.com , information: http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com , also Look for us on Twitter and Linked-In. https://www.gofundme.com/Amen-Urban-Farm We acknowledge our Great Ancient Ancestral history and heritage of First Indigo People Spiritual Ways. We provide an Online Afrikan centered Homeschool Curriculum network and Afterschool STE-A-M (science technology, Industrial/Vocational Arts, mathematics) careers with hands-on Agriculture Experiences. –You GROWW Girls and Youth Going Green Economic Literacy study group. We Respect Mother Earth and acknowledge the natural sciences and ecology with recycling. We provide Kemetic Ancestor Libation Ceremonies, KMT Readings for Destiny, Health, Career, and Relationship Consultations, using the Ausar Auset Method, We perform Home Blessings, Afrikan Naming, KMT Ordained Weddings, and Wedding planning, We celebrate and observe the Equinox and Solstice events, where we celebrate and show our respect for the wonder of nature with Cultural Ceremonies, Song, music, dance, workshops, and special events. We Grow and make Org-Ankh Electric foods, Gifts, and Accessories. We provide an Online Radio Call-in show for Outreach ministry: Amen Communications http://www.blogtalkradio.com/amencommunications Newborn Blessings, Home and Business Spiritual Cleansing and Blessings, Ancient Funeral rites and Ascension ceremonies, Herbs, nature walks and Outdoor camping Experiences, classes such as Spiritual Jewelry Making, Sewing, and other handcrafts, Henna Healing designs, Head wrapping arts, Making Natural Hair oils, beading and Lox twisting, Cosmetics, and Herbal products. Also Envisioning, Dream Catchers, Vision Boards, Art Healing Mandalas, Reiki, Canning and preserving foods, We assist in Wellness for Body Mind and Spirit for Spiritual Attunement - to realize the fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity, and strength. We provide active space for expressions of our original wisdom ways of life. Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, and Classes The information on this Blogsite has been put together for general information, education, reference, Spirituality Current Events, and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any specific condition. Ask your doctor for his professional advice before making radical changes in your diet and lifestyle. Amen Ankh Urban Farm is an urban agricultural enterprise with the goal of achieving environmental justice and sustainability by Healthy local food production and improving local neighborhood access to healthy Foods. We are growing orchards and constructing Aquaponic Systems of farm-raised fish, Herbs, and microgreens. We also provide Farm-a-See tours of successful Local Farmers with the “Green Griot”. We grow selected local “Org-Ankh” electric indigenous Herbs, Fruits, Vegetable and plant life of the Three Sisters: (Corn, Beans, and Squash/Melons) and cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, and Kale, With Wheat Grass and other Sprouts, Herbs: Basil, Sage, Chives, Rosemary, Parsley, Peppers, with Moringa nutritional drink supplements, -From our Fresh produce we create canned and Baked Goods, teas, cosmetics, and liniments to provide Healing through the inspiration of Kujichagulia (Self-determination) for everyone. Feel free or Contact the Director: QueenMa Nuta Beqsu Moses aka Adenike Amen-Ra Please like our facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/Green.Griot https://www.facebook.com/PARANKH , https://www.facebook.com/Amen.Ankh.Farm , https://www.facebook.com/Adenike.Art , https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ankh-The-Way-of-Life-Communities Dua (Th-ankh you!) ♥.
Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is an African American Holiday!
This week-long celebration is held in the United States and in other nations of the African diaspora. It was created in 1965 by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966. The celebration honors Afrikan heritage and culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
Kwanzaa is one of the 1st specifically African-American holidays. According to Karenga, the name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", meaning "first fruits of the harvest." The choice of Swahili, an East African language, reflects its status as a symbol of Pan-Africanism, especially in the 1960s.
Another African American Celebration feast, that is held traditionally on the 4th Sunday of the month of November, is Umoja Karamu (Unity Feast); Created by Dr. Edward Sims in 1971. http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com/2015/11/2015-umoja-karamu-unity-feast.html - This feast recognizes 5 key periods of Black History in the Americas.
Kwanzaa is a celebration that has its roots in the Black Panther poor people's empowerment movement of the 1960s and was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation, the study of African traditions, and Nguzo Saba, the "seven principles of African Heritage" which Karenga said, "is a communitarian African philosophy". For Karenga, a leader in the Black Panther Power movement in California, of the 1960s and 1970s, the creation of such holidays also emphasized an essential premise that "you must have a cultural revolution before any other revolution. The cultural revolution gives identity, purpose, and direction."
Kwanzaa has 7 core principles called Nguzo Saba. (The Nguzo Saba means: Principles Seven-) to guide and direct the path of liberation:
Umoja means unity.
Kujichagulia means self-determination.
Ujima means collective working together.
Ujamaa means cooperative Economics
Nia means purpose.
Kuumba means a handmade basket to represent creativity.
Imani means faith, especially faith in ourselves.
Each day of the celebration is noted to celebrate a specific principle. The Swahili greeting of Habari Gani? is a question: What's the News? And the proper response is the principle of that day.
Day 1 Umoja (oo-MO-jah) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Day 2 Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Day 3 Ujima (oo-GEE-mah) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
Day 4 Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Day 5 Nia (NEE-yah) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Day 6 Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Day 7 Imani (ee-MAH-nee) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
There are 7 symbols that are represented for the harvest display:
Mkeka—woven mat: Symbolic of our tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which we build
Kinara—candle holder: Symbolic of our roots, our parent people—continental Africans
Mishumaa Saba—the seven candles: Symbolic of the Nguzo Saba (7 principles), 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
Mazao—crops: Symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards of productive and collective labor
Muhindi—corn: Symbolic of our children and our future which they embody
Kikombe cha Umoja—unity cup: Symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible
Zawadi—gifts: Symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
Secondary Symbols and Swahili terms during Kwanzaa
I. NGUZO SABA (En-GOO-zoh Sah-BAH) Poster is on display and Symbolizes the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which were developed by Maulana Ron Karenga. The Nguzo Saba are social principles dealing with ways for us to relate to each other and rebuild our lives in our own images.
II. BENDERA YA TAIFA The Red Black and Green flag of African Unity symbolizes the struggle for Liberation. The Red represents the blood of our ancestors; Black is the collective color of all Black people, and Green reminds us of the land, life, and new ideas we must continue to strive to obtain.
https://amen-ankh.blogspot.com/2017/02/every-afrakan-indigo-should-have-hand.html
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| https://adenike-amenra.pixels.com/featured/rbg-flag-pledge-by-amy-jacques-garvey-adenike-amenra.html |
III. TAMBIKO Is the libation by which honor is given in a special way to our Creator Spirit, Neter/Neteru; Aku /Ancestors; Peret: Seeds, and Anu: Siblings- All life in the present and All newly born that we are called to carry out the struggle and the work that has begun. It clearly symbolizes the recognition of and respect for the contributions of those before us, our history, and the models it offers us to emulate.
IV. HARAMBEE Symbolizes a call to unity and collective work and struggle. The word means Let's pull together!
V. HABARI GANI What's the news; what's happening Swahili term used when greeting others.
VI. KWAHERI Swahili term used as an expression of parting with good wishes and an expectancy to meet again.
At Amen Par Ankh we would like to encourage you to Practice Kwanzaa EVERYDAY!*NIA- KNOW YOUR PURPOSE! Contact Amen Par Ankh to learn more about your Destiny (Purpose), Health, Career and Relationship Readings from our Ancient Ancestors
*UMOJA- Called to Unity! Culture is Revolutionary and Unifying to a people. Speak words to life and power. Learn and speak an Afrikan Language like Swahili or your choice of Afrikan language(s) in your home and family! We speak the KMT language of our ancestors (often referred to as Egyptians) Prepare traditional foods that are healthy and memorable. We grow and prepare life-giving vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
*KUJICHAGULIA- At Adenike's Arts, we make handcrafted and Graphic media designs. We teach our Youth with Amen Ankh- AfRaKa KRST (African) Centered Educational materials.
*IMANI- Faith- We Pour libations to your Aku/Ancestors. We celebrate with home blessings and ceremonies for the circle of life. Create memorable spaces to display your Family members and their favorite things to pay tribute to their memory.
*UJIMA and KUUMBA- Grow your own foods and Make your own Products and Buy and Sell as Black-owned businesses.
* UJAMAA- Remember that Eco-Nomics is a family-based system. Share home-cooked meals and sit down together with your family. Have books and Read about your history to one another, Gather your human capital and share your resources.
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
http://www.africanholocaust.net/news_ah/kwanzaa.html
KWANZAA is a Pan-Afrikan holiday based on the various “First Fruits Festivals” observed around the Afrikan diaspora, known by different names (ex. “Odwira” among the Ashanti, “Eje” among the Yoruba, “Umkhosi” among amaZulu etc).
Based on careful studies, a team of Afrikan researchers, led by Dr Maulana Karenga, introduced Kwanzaa in 1966 as a Pan-Afrikan celebration for the unification of all Afrikan/Black people – regardless of faith, nationality, ideology, language, and birthplace.
Kandaki-Ma Nuta Beqsu (Adenike Amen-Ra)
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Amen Par Ankh (sacred temple of life) and Amen Ankh Academy; is a virtual homeschool network, in the heart of midtown Kansas City, Missouri. Contact our Minister and Director: Nuta Adenike AmenRa Moses El and become a member of our Gnome Ma'afia- as We Celebrate the Cycles of Life! Email: amen.ankh@live.com, and Call: 816-281-7704 to sign-up for Spiritual readings, and life coaching courses and support: PAYPAL: amen.parankh@gmail.com , information: http://amen-parankh.blogspot.com , also Look for us on Twitter and Linked-In. https://www.gofundme.com/Amen-Urban-Farm We acknowledge our Great Ancient Ancestral history and heritage of First Indigo People Spiritual Ways. We provide an Online Afrikan centered Homeschool Curriculum network and Afterschool STE-A-M (science technology, Industrial/Vocational Arts, mathematics) careers with hands-on Agriculture Experiences. –You GROWW Girls and Youth Going Green Economic Literacy study group. We Respect Mother Earth and acknowledge the natural sciences and ecology with recycling. We provide Kemetic Ancestor Libation Ceremonies, KMT Readings for Destiny, Health, Career, and Relationship Consultations, using the Ausar Auset Method, We perform Home Blessings, Afrikan Naming, KMT Ordained Weddings, and Wedding planning, We celebrate and observe the Equinox and Solstice events, where we celebrate and show our respect for the wonder of nature with Cultural Ceremonies, Song, music, dance, workshops, and special events. We Grow and make Org-Ankh Electric foods, Gifts, and Accessories. We provide an Online Radio Call-in show for Outreach ministry: Amen Communications http://www.blogtalkradio.com/amencommunications Newborn Blessings, Home and Business Spiritual Cleansing and Blessings, Ancient Funeral rites and Ascension ceremonies, Herbs, nature walks and Outdoor camping Experiences, classes such as Spiritual Jewelry Making, Sewing, and other handcrafts, Henna Healing designs, Head wrapping arts, Making Natural Hair oils, beading and Lox twisting, Cosmetics, and Herbal products. Also Envisioning, Dream Catchers, Vision Boards, Art Healing Mandalas, Reiki, Canning and preserving foods, We assist in Wellness for Body Mind and Spirit for Spiritual Attunement - to realize the fullest capacities of life, health, prosperity, and strength. We provide active space for expressions of our original wisdom ways of life. Ceremony, Counseling, Coaching, Cleansings, and Classes The information on this Blogsite has been put together for general information, education, reference, Spirituality Current Events, and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any specific condition. Ask your doctor for his professional advice before making radical changes in your diet and lifestyle. Amen Ankh Urban Farm is an urban agricultural enterprise with the goal of achieving environmental justice and sustainability by Healthy local food production and improving local neighborhood access to healthy Foods. We are growing orchards and constructing Aquaponic Systems of farm-raised fish, Herbs, and microgreens. We also provide Farm-a-See tours of successful Local Farmers with the “Green Griot”. We grow selected local “Org-Ankh” electric indigenous Herbs, Fruits, Vegetable and plant life of the Three Sisters: (Corn, Beans, and Squash/Melons) and cruciferous vegetables: Cabbage, and Kale, With Wheat Grass and other Sprouts, Herbs: Basil, Sage, Chives, Rosemary, Parsley, Peppers, with Moringa nutritional drink supplements, -From our Fresh produce we create canned and Baked Goods, teas, cosmetics, and liniments to provide Healing through the inspiration of Kujichagulia (Self-determination) for everyone. Feel free or Contact the Director: QueenMa Nuta Beqsu Moses aka Adenike Amen-Ra Please like our facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/Green.Griot https://www.facebook.com/PARANKH , https://www.facebook.com/Amen.Ankh.Farm , https://www.facebook.com/Adenike.Art , https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ankh-The-Way-of-Life-Communities Dua (Th-ankh you!) ♥.
