Since You Asked, Julie

Recently I posted some blathering about the symbols of holiday tradition in my apartment building. There was a voluminous and twinkling Christmas tree and a bountiful menorah. I also mentioned the stationing of the Kwanzaa table in preparation for its seasonal festooning of bounty. My learned friend Julie asked about this very thing, curious what a "Kwanzaa table looked like." Now that the period of Kwanzaa has finally commenced (it is observed from December 26 through the new year), I can at last respond to that question.

In our building, a table is set out to capture the accoutrement of the tradition (see above). It might look rather demure as a still life yet there's much more to the symbolism of the holiday itself. According to those geniuses at Wikipedia, Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift giving. Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth, especially the wearing of the Uwole by women, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, "Kikombe cha Umoja" passed around to all celebrants.

Now what I appreciate most about Kwanzaa is the celebration of "The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa." These seven principles comprise Kawaida, a Swahili term for tradition and reason. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa are dedicated to one of the following principles. They are:

Umoja (Unity)
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Nia (Purpose)
Kuumba (Creativity)
Imani (Faith)

A very sound ideal and a very spirited ethic. I'm so glad you asked, Julie.