Tips for Throwing a Kwanzaa Party
Kwanzaa is a seven day African American tradition which is observed In December, from the 26th through the first of January. The celebration reaffirms traditional African American values.
These are some creative tips and ideas for having a great Kwanzaa party. Make invitations in the traditional colors of green, black and red. Suggest the guests wear garments made from traditional African cloth. Buy a bolt of African Kente cloth and decorate the room and party table with it. Since most families celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa, decorate the Christmas tree with cowrie shell stars,straw fans and carved gourds. To symbolize the communities have children make display bowls and fill them with kernels of corn. It is also creative to display quilts that have been passed down from generations.
Display African artwork around the room. Also be sure to set out the kinara. Fill baskets with an abundance of harvests with emphasize on Kwanzaa colors. Have traditional African music playing in the background. Have one of the children light the day's candles on the kinara. Video tape the guests as they tell about their own accomplishments over the last year. Fasting is often practiced by the adults. Be sure you provide fresh fruits and vegetables as well as juices.Serve juice in a cha umoja, the unity cup, and pass it from one guest to the other.
There are a few good books on the market to help with your celebration. These are "Kwanzaa celebration: Kwanzaa" written by David A. Anderson, "Let's Celebrate Kwanzaa" written by Helen David Thompson, "Kwanzaa" written by Deborah M. Newton and "Everything You Wanted to Know but Didn't Know Where to Ask" written by Cedric McClester.
There are seven important symbols of Kwanzaa. They are the Mkeka which is a straw hat that represents the foundation. The other symbols are placed on the Mkeka. The kinara is a candle holder with seven candles. These represent 7 principles. You need to have 3 red, 3 green and 1 black candle which are called the Mishumaa saba. Muhindi is corn that symbolizes the hopes and challenges of the children. Mazao are the fruits and vegetables as well as the nuts which represent the rewards of the harvest.The unity cup is called the Kikombe cha umoja. The Zawadi are meaningful gifts the guests exchange on each one of the seven days. Be sure the gifts are hand crafted.
