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The history of Kwanzaa took place in the 20th century. In 1966, Maulana Karenga named the holiday for African Americans. It gave black people in America a chance to celebrate themselves and their history, and it served as an alternative to the traditional December holidays.
The name Kwanzaa is Swahili, and it is part of the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits of the harvest.” The language of choice reflected the status of pan-Africanism in the 1960’s.
The roots of Kwanzaa are from the black nationalist movement. African Americans were encouraged in the 1960’s to reconnect with the African culture of their ancestors. They were urged to meditate and study African traditions, along with the “seven principles of blackness,” or “Nguzu Saba.”
A Kwanzaa stamp was first issued by the U.S. Postal Service in October of 1997. It featured the artwork of Synthia Saint James. Then in 2004, a stamp was designed by Daniel Minter and issued. It had several colorfully robed figures which symbolized the “seven principles of blackness.”
In the early years of the recognition of Kwanzaa, Karenga stated that Christianity was a white religion and that Jesus was a psychotic individual. Later, he changed positions so that the practicing Christian could celebrate Kwanzaa, as well. He went on to state in 1997 that Kwanzaa was not an alternative to their religious holidays or to their original religion.
In 2009, there was an award-winning documentary was produced about Kwanzaa, entitled “The Black Candle.”
The “seven principles of blackness” are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
In 2004, about 4.5 million people celebrated Kwanzaa, although Karenga, Lee D. Baker, and the African American Cultural Center all claim different numbers.
Families who celebrate Kwanzaa decorate their homes with art and colorful African cloth objects. The women wear kaftans, and fresh fruits represent the idealism of African people. Children are included in the ceremonies, and the ancestors are given respect. The appropriate holiday greeting is “Joyous Kwanzaa.”
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