To some Kwanzaa holiday represents a celebration to mark the rich African heritage, while other people believe the holiday is a “Black Christmas”. During the December period, the celebration is one of the major events that people embrace to mark their festivities. However, what makes Kwanzaa 2023 unique entails several practices, traditions, and history that are attached to the festival. Although it happens during the period of Christmas, there is more to Kwanzaa than the ordinary information about the celebration. We provide you with some of the reasons why the holiday is more than a “Black Christmas”.
Kwanzaa honors universal ideals
Although the holiday is built on the need to celebrate the African-American culture, Kwanzaa embraces universal ideals that are embraced worldwide. The principles apply in almost all aspects of life. The ideals include Umoja (Unity) which is listed as one of the key principles of the holiday. During the celebrations, friends and families dedicate their time to embrace activities to foster stronger relationships. This is an activity that many people across the globe can embrace.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) is also a key principle that helps in marking Kwanzaa. What makes Kwanzaa 2023 unique through this principle is the aspect of speaking for oneself. The Official Kwanzaa Website reports that the principle refers to defining, naming, creating, and speaking for oneself. The principle of self-determination is marked during the second day of the holiday.
Kora. This is one of the popular Kwanzaa foods
Collective work and responsibility is one of the universally accepted principles. However, during Kwanzaa 2023, the principle is expected to be an integral part of the celebrations. Cooperative economics is also another key principle of the holiday. It empowers people to own shops, stores, and other businesses. Other principles that the holiday embraces include Nia (purpose). This principle aims to restore traditional greatness and is one of the things that makes Kwanzaa unique.
During the holiday, people celebrate by embracing creativity as a core principle. Through creativity, people engage in activities to show their creative skills. This is not limited to only African Americans but also to everyone keen on celebrating Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa holiday is a one-week celebration
Unlike Christmas which only happens on December 25th, Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration. The seven days of Kwanzaa 2023 starts on December 26 and ends on January 1. The seven days of the holiday represent the seven different principles of Kwanzaa. The number of days of celebrations is what makes Kwanzaa unique and different from Christmas.
What is Kwanzaa?
The history of Kwanzaa dates back to 1966. It is one of the oldest celebrations that brings a new feel to December festivities. The festival was the idea of Dr. Maulana Karenga who organized the first festival in the United States to celebrate the African culture. Unlike Christmas, Kwanzaa does not border on religion. It is celebrated based on embracing the African-American lifestyle. READ ALSO: Kwanzaa, a Celebration of African Heritage to Brighten Your December Festivities
The holiday is observed in the US but other parts of the globe have also started embracing the celebration. Parents Magazine reports that non-black people can also celebrate the holiday. The feast brings people together and it is important for everyone to be excited about the holiday.