Habar Gani-what's the news?

By Antoinette Okai-Koi

okai0001@algonquincollege.com

 

NGUZO SABA

Unity (Umoja) - (oo-Mo-jah)

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

Peace and tranquility within your social and cultural settings, one should to attempt for and maintain unity in the family, community, and culture.

This means togetherness and represents the family, community and the black race.

Self-Determination -(Kujichagulia)-(koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah).

This stands for the words, manners and values we use to represent our personality. The identity of ourselves encompasses our self-worth. A red candle represents this principle.

Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)-(oo-GEE-mah)

Historically, African labour was performed communal, so this stands for unity in the way we build and maintain our communities. The problem of your brothers’ and sisters’ is also your problem to solve together. A green candle represents this principle.

Cooperative Economics-(Ujamaa)-(oo-jah-mah)

This attains to the shared communal profit and maintenance of the businesses and careers of the people. A red candle represents this principle

Purpose (Nia)-(nee-YAH)

There should be a meaning to the work done. The career choices we make should benefit the collective development in the population and excel the people to their traditional greatness. Professor Daniel Olaseula said, In Canada, a job may just be a job and those that come to you are treated like just a number. In African community your role in life holds a purpose in the culture, so perform the job to your fullest ability. A green candle represents this principle

Creativity (Kuumba)-(koo-OOM-bah)

One should search for new ways to enhance the public, so you can leave the next generation something more beautiful and beneficial. According to professor Olaseula, your activity should be of interests to the community, as there is no competition or hierarchy. Your creative energy is used for the benefit of the society. A red candle represents this principle

Faith (Imani)-(ee-MAH-nee)

To believe wholeheartedly in our ancestry, our parents, leaders, and hold the conviction that righteousness and victory of the black struggle is beneficial to mark the race. A green candle represents this principle

 

The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa

First day

Mazao-the crop (Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables) symbolizes work and the historical base of the holiday and grounded in the joy, sharing, unity and thanksgiving. It is molded after the communal planning and labour of African harvests

Second day

Mkeka-Place Mat-an African item based in the historical and foundation of the ancestral traditions and symbolic of the African existence.

Third day

Vibunzi- Ear of Corn- represents fertility; children are the future hopes of a family brought to live.

Fourth day

Mishumaa Saba-The Seven Candles, red, green and black is a focal point for the celebration as it is represents the seven principles’ among other meanings. It is symbolic of the sun’s power and illumining light and an African god, Shango- the Yoruba (Nigeria) god of fire. The struggle for self-determination and freedom by black people is also represented by the red candles. The black candle stands for the people, the earth where everything came from. It represents the hope, creativity and faith. The green represents the earth, our substantiality from it and gives us the hope, labour and the fruits of harvest.

Fifth day

Kinara - the Candle holder can be in many shapes and be made of many things, wood, or natural materials, as long as the candles are different and separate. This symbolizes ancestay, as in African culture, ancestors are honoured.

Sixth day-the Karamu feast

Kikombe Cha Umoja-The Unity Cup is used to perform a ceremonial tribute acknowledging the living dead whose souls are not at rest- as believed in African societies. One makes a toast of unity for the ancestors and the liquid (water, juice, or wine) is passed around to represent the four winds until the last drop handed to the elders who pours it onto the ground and asks for a blessing. African societies believe to drink the last drop is to bring the wrath of ancestors.

Seventh day-Imani

Ziwadi-meaningful gifts to encourage growth, self-determination and success. Participants exchanges gifts preferably homemade ones with immediate members of their family, especially the children and guests.