The Celebration of Kwanzaa
Posted: Monday, November 24, 2008
by Star Lyn
At this time of year, one tends to take a moment or two to reflect upon ones life. While growing up in the 50's and 60's in a typical
Between the 26th of December and the 2nd of January, this African-American and Pan-African Holiday – called Kwanzaa, is the celebration of family, community and culture. This seven day custom was developed in 1966 combining traditional African practices, ideals and aspirations. It is filled with symbolism, principles, greetings, gifts and practices.
Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "First-fruit" Celebrations:
In-gathering
Reverence
Reverence
Commemoration
Re-commitment
Celebration
In the tradition of Kawaida, (Created by Maulana Karenga the philosophy of Kawaida is an ongoing synthesis of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world.) They ask themselves three humbling questions: Who am I?
Am I really who I say I am?
Am I all I ought to be?
Kwanzaa sets aside time for special reverence for the Creator and creation; a time to reflect the past, its lessons and its ancestors; a time to recommit the effort to bring forth the best in African culture and a time to celebrate the good in all things.
Rooted in ancient history and culture, Kwanzaa brings to the African-American a reflection of history, values, family and self. It was created to reaffirm and reinforce the bonds between the people, as well as strengthening community, common identity, purpose and direction.
It is important to note that Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available to all African-Americans regardless of their religious faith or practices. They can now come together based on their rich ancient and varied common ground of their heritage.
In closing, my quest is to discover the beauty of our differences and focus on what makes us all God's Creations, which is not the color of our skin, a party to which we belong, or a belief that we hold or a place where we live. It is love, compassion, understanding and family which are the common threads in God's tapestry. I may not be able to heal all the ills of this world, but maybe, just maybe I can help heal one person at a time, starting with me.
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More commentsHi Star, thanks for sharing, I learned something new today! What a wonderful celebration that certainly apply's no matter the culture. All people are created equal in the sight of God. As a Christian, you mention what you believe to be the definition of a child of God....the teacher in me is cringing just a bit, and I feel compelled to mention that the Bible is very clear on who a child of God is and it is the one who calls on God through the Lordship of Jesus Christ. John 1:12, says that as many as receive Him, to them he gives the right to become a child of God. We are all his creation, we are not all his children. All throughout the new testament we are told those who are in Christ are adopted as sons of God. I know this will make a lot of people mad, but it is not my words, my intrepation or my thoughts. It is written very cleary in the word of God.That does not mean we are not to have a sense of community and love and fellowship for and with one another. But the truth as the Holy Bible puts it, only those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior are children of God.Please don't take this to mean I think non-christians are less important to God. I know I will probably take some hits for this, but it is truth and one of the fundamental teachings of the Bible and Christianity.Okay, I am done. Sorry, I just couldn't keep silent.I love you and your very encouraging spirit and I am always blessed by you.TeresaTeresa,You are so right on girlfriend!!! I am embarrassed by my blunder and have corrected the situation in my article. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention, as it was not intentional that I made such error in my wording. As a long time student, as are you, I am constantly grateful for my friends and peers to keep me on my toes and make sure that what I write is Biblically correct. I always welcome your critiques and comments as I know it is with love and comes from your heart.Thank you again for your support and encouragement. You too are a constant blessing to me and I am grateful for our friendship.Love and Blessings,Star
The holiday Kwanzaa is something new to me and it is nice to get a little understanding of what it is. Thank you for enlightening us.As for Teresa's comments about 'children of God', I just want her to know that she is right on target. That's exactly what the Bible teaches. Thank you, Teresa, for your boldness in proclaiming the Word of God.David,Amen! Amen! As my article was on the celebration of Kwanzaa, I was focused on that instead of what my focus is usually on... which is the Word of God. I bless and praise Teresa for being a true friend and sister in Christ and for her wisdom and strength in her convictions. Bravo to you too David for the acknowledgment of your standing in agreement with us both.Blessings,Star Lyn
Loved the insight - makes me want to research more. Thanks for the inspirationHi Cheryl,Thank you for your kind words. There is plenty of information out there on Kwanzaa. They have craft books, cook books, ceremony instructions, and gift suggestions, just to name a few of the books and information available. Let your Google do the walking....Blessings,Star Lyn
Thank you for your open heart that allows yur mind to embrace the differing gifts that he has offered, and the celebrate their common source as offering a higher glory that would be without the inclusion of these gifts! Simply put, it deeply moves me to see a person from outside of the tradition embrace it, understand it, share it with others, and link heart and soul and lifted hands in the one blood that redeems us and provides for our common welfare! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!Walter,It is rare indeed that I am found speechless, but your comments have touched my heart deeply. Should I never write another word, the knowing that I bridged some gap somewhere and could change someones view of the world, delights me beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for seeing the truth and meaning within me.Blessings,Star
Hi Star Lyn.I had always wondered what it was all about. Thank you for the insights. I'm not sure that right now I could answer those three questions. Food for thought.DianneDianne,I am thrilled that my humble words brought to you thought and wonder... as they were meant to do. Thank you for taking the time to read my article and send me your comments.Blessings,Star
hi star,i think this was a well written, interesting article.my favorite words are, "my quest is to discover the beauty of our differences and focus on what makes us all God's Creations, which is not the color of our skin, a party to which we belong, or a belief that we hold or a place where we live."i've always felt that way, too.one day, i hope people will realize how rediculous it is to judge someone on the color of their skin, or where they are from.thanks for sharing,my best regards,sue thomHi Sue,Thank you for taking the time to read my article and sharing your feelings. I appreciate your input as usual and value your spirit and heart. Maybe we can make a difference if we let people know they have a choice and can make this world a better place to live.Blessings,Star Lyn
Wonderful article...very interesting and informative (about Kwanzaa). Great! STAR, God bless you and keep writing good articlesDear Candles,Thank you for stopping by to read my article. I have 3 more that are in the hopper which are in need of the final few touches. Hope you have a spare minute to check them out. Look for them by Tuesday. Thanks again,Blessings to you and yours,Star
Star,The healing has already begun. I'm sure your willing to share has erased away many preconceived question marks of those things misunderstood. For even the Apostle Paul worked diligently to inform the people of one another's culture removing away all divisional walls through God's Word bringing them to an understanding of the worth embedded in His magnificent tapestry.Continue writing. God Bless You.DeborahDeborah,Your acknowledgment of my God given gift brings a warm and humble blessing to my heart. Thank you for your kind words and I pray that God continues to bless you as well.Your new friend and Sister in Christ,Star
I just had a feeling what your writing would be like. I enjoyed this very much.Hi Carolee,I am pleased that I brought you pleasure and enjoyment. I look forward to getting to know you more through your thoughtful and heartfelt writings.Blessings,Star
I did not know what Kwanzaa was.Thanks.
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