Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Books On Kwanzaa






I've found a few good books about Kwanzaa to help everyone learn more about this popular African American cultural celebration. Kwanzaa is a Swahili word for "first" as in ("first fruits"). It's also a contemporary African American celebration held from December 26-31 of each year to pay tribute to the African and ancestral heritage of Blacks in America.

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa




Kwanzaa celebrations are centered around seven key principles. You are supposed to discussed and exhibit them during the 7-day celebration. They are listed below.

unity
self-determination,
collective work and responsibility
cooperative economics
purpose
creativity
faith

These were the essential qualities that African American ancestors had to harness after spending hundreds of years in bondage.They are the bedrock for building strong families, a strong culture and a strong nation. The cultural celebration also encompasses other meaningful traditions.

Kwanzaa Symbols

The main foundations of the celebration is based on the first-fruit harvest rituals of Africa. A unity cup, a long candle holder, ears of corn, hand made gifts, the tree of gratefulness, a straw mat and the Kwanzaa feast are the staples of the tradition.

It makes interesting reading to learn about cultures that are similar and different from your own. If you want to read more on Kwanzaa I've found a few good books that I'd like to recommend.

books about Kwanzaa Sphere: Related Content

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