From the language of Kiswahili, Kawanzaa
means "the first fruits of the harvest."
There are seven principles:
Unity,
Self-determination,
Collective Work and Responsibility,
Cooperative Economics,
Purpose,
Creativity,
Faith.

Celebration focuses around the Kinara,
A candleholder with seven candles:
1 Black – represents the people
3 green – represent fertility and hope
3 red – represent black struggle and bloodshed
Each day a candle is lit and one of the
Seven principles is discussed and expressed.

Essential are:
Mazoo –fruits and vegetables represent harvest
Vibunzi – ears of corn for children
Kikombe cha umjoa – the unity cup for oneness
Zawadi – the gifts to each other
Karamu – the feast
On the sixth day of Kawanzaa,
a family feast is held...friends are invited.
Gifts are usually exchanged at Karamu.

It is customary to wear red, black, and green
during Kawanzaa. Presents should be
educational and affordable, not extravagent,
in keeping with the basic principles of Zawanzaa.
To express the principle of Creativity,
many people make gifts and cards.

Kawanzaa is not a Christmas substitute.
Many black people celebrate both Kawanzaa and Christmas.
Many black people do not celebrate Kawanzaa at all.
In his book about Kwanzaa, Cedric McClester says
there is no harm in wishing a black person
"Happy Kwanzaa" even if you are not sure that person
celebrates this holiday.
Since this is not a religious holiday,
there is no religious conflict or discourtesy,
and "Happy Kwanzaa" represents
appreciation and recognition of
the black community in America.

We always have a Kwanzaa party at Kidswork
to honor Black people all over the world
who have given so much to us.
We have many African artifacts in our studio,
Sculpture and Masks...
Most of try our hand at making masks.
Since our studio motto is
"All is One,"
we celebrate and honor all holidays.
As artists, we want to keep our hearts and minds
open and welcoming.
HAPPY KWANZAA !!
mb Sept. 19,1998

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