by Kristi Ambrose

Created on: November 17, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Now, in the year 2008, when a man with African heritage has risen to the most important position in the world, isn't it all the more important to celebrate Kwanzaa? If you intend to celebrate Kwanzaa this year you will want to make sure that YOUR celebration is the best. We'll show you how. Kwanzaa is today celebrated by an estimated 28 million people worldwide, all proud of their heritage. It's importance in today's society is more relevant than ever its role in bringing together whole communities and families is as important as it ever was.

Kwanzaa celebrations differ slightly from community to community, but widely accepted celebrations include:

Drumming and musical celebrations
Libations (the pouring of a drink in celebration to God)
A reading of the African Pledge
Reflections on the Pan-American colours (black, red, yellow and green)
The Kinara lighting ritual
Karamu (the feast, usually held on Dec 31st)
The giving and receiving of Kwanzaa gifts

The biggest question that always arises is: "on what days do we do this, and when should we do that?" The simple answer to this is: "it doesn't matter"! When Maulena Karenga first devised the Kwanzaa back in 1967, he intended it as a celebration of a history and ancestry he was proud of. The only criteria he set out were the 7 principles which it is important to follow but he never indicated when and where and how! The secret to a really successful Kwanzaa celebration is all in the planning. Kwanzaa celebrations begin on December 26th, but I always find it a good idea to start planning a long time before.

On December 1st, make a checklist of all the things that you will need:

Kinara (candle holder)
Nkeka (straw place mat)
Kikombe cha umoja (the community cup)
Mazao (fruits and vegetables)
Zawadi (gifts)
Mishumaa Saba (candles symbolising the pan-American colours one black, three red and three
green)

When it come to Zawadi, or Kwanzaa gifts, there are a few things you need to remember. The best gifts are generally home-made and they are community spirited (as Kwanzaa celebrations are supposed to reflect the community). The gifts are important, as Kuumba is one of the 7 principles, but they should also be affordable and of an artistic or educational nature.

When planning your Kwanzaa celebration, its all too easy to fall into the trap of getting too caught up in the preparations, and forgetting what its all about. As M.K. Asante said in The Black candle: "Kwanzaas like renewing your membership to your community to your families, to your culture, and to yourself."

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