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If you think the holidays are over, you are in for a surprise. There are always new holidays around the corner. Based on ancient African celebrations, Kwanzaa is a 7-day festival that begins December 26th and lasts till January 1st.

African Americans honor their heritage and culture with special rituals, music, song, dance and folktales. And like all the other holidays we’ve recently taken a look at, there is also a great feast! But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

The word Kwanzaa comes from Swahili, a language that is from Africa. It means “the first fruits of the harvest”. Swahili is spoken throughout the African continent, not just in one area or country. Dr. Maulana Karenga the founder of Kwanzaa, chose Swahili as the language of the celebration because it helps Black Americans remember that they are united regardless of which particular area their ancestors came from; that all of Africa is the land of their forefathers.

There are Seven Principles called nguzo saba. People gather each of the 7 nights to light a candle and to share their thoughts on the Principle of that day. On the 6th night, December 31st, the Karamu is celebrated and this is where the great feast comes in.

The Karamu festivities begin with the Welcoming of elders and distinguished guests. Then a song, dance or folk story is performed to help in Remembering. Someone will say a few chosen words of importance in the Short talk. And then the Rejoicing is introduced with the sharing of the Kikombe Cha Umoja or Cup of Unity. Everyone drinks from the same cup while the names of ancestors and Black heroes are called. There is more singing and dancing and the feast is under way.

Zawadi, (gifts) are exchanged. A zawadi must always include a book and heritage symbol. The book emphasizes the African tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt. The heritage symbol reaffirms the African commitment to tradition and history.

When all have had their fill of fun, food and joyous laughter, friends and family bid each other farewell. The Karamu comes to a formal end with the Farewell statement.

To read more about Kwanzaa, the Seven Principles or the symbolic Kwanzaa colors, you can either enter Kwanzaa in the search box or you can click on Past Issues and select the December 11, 1998 issue from the list.