In fact, values are the main theme of Kwanzaa; Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture, called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. All of us can benefit and grow by celebrating these principles.
All of the Kwanzaa principles focus on community because in African philosophy a true human is always a person-in-community; this is reflected in the African saying, "I am because we are" (a good counter balance for the Me First thinking of our culture).
When my children were younger, we celebrated Kwanzaa as a family, but now I celebrate mostly alone, and find creative ways to connect the activities to the various parts of my community.
Agenda this week:
Kwanzaa Day One:
The first day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of umoja (oo-MOH-jah), which is unity- the unity of working and playing together with my family and my community, in harmony.
1. Journal:
What does unity mean to me? With whom do I need better unity? How can I help us find unity?
List some inspiring ways to find better unity with my family, Quaker Meeting, school, neighborhood, and city community this year.
2. Altar:
Spread a straw mat- the mkeka (em-kay-kah)- to symbolize the foundation of tradition and history upon which all rests. Place an ear of dried corn on the mkeka for each child in the family, and also some fruits, vegetables, and nuts for the earth’s abundance.
Set up the kinara (key-nar-rah) with seven candles- three red, three green, and one black in the center.
Today I light the black candle in the center of the kinara, in unity with all people of African ancestry.
Since I am not African-American myself, I also light a purple candle, in unity with all people of the world. Then I recite this affirmation-
I will work in unity with those within and without my circle.
4. Unity project:
This is a day to be together. My family is here, and we will hang out and eat, and do a jigsaw puzzle.
Day Two:
The second day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah), which is self-determination: Thinking for myself, and deciding what I will say and what I will do with my life. In other words, I won’t let the dominant culture decide how I live!
Self-determination requires me to understand who I am- personally, historically, and culturally. I need to know the history of my people, where I come from, so that I can live grounded in my past. My English, Welsh, German, Swiss, French, and Dutch ancestors have much wisdom and insight to offer me.
I also need to know what my personal Truth is- I need to think for myself and make my own choices for the future. I need to honor my testimonies, speak truth to power, and live in a way that supports all humans.
1. Journal:
Who am I and how do I define myself- personally, historically, and culturally?
How do I express my individuality?
Begin to consider what my New Year’s resolutions might be...
What dreams do I have for the New Year?
What might I do in the New Year to better define myself?
I light the black candle and the purple again, for the people, and the inside red candle for the fire in my heart that keeps me working hard for the things I believe in. Then I recite this affirmation-
I will define myself, create for myself, and speak for myself. I will accomplish my dreams for the future.
3. Self-determination project:Today I will start to make a collage poster showing my intentions for the New Year.
Day Three:
The third day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujima (oo-JEE-mah), which means collective work and responsibility. Ujima is teamwork, working together for others and helping my neighbors. Collective work and responsibility reminds me of my obligation to my community, society, and world, and to the past, present and future. Imagine if all my actions flowed from the actions of those who came before me, and were considerate of all those who will come after me! That would be a life of great integrity and compassion!
Ujima creates synergy- creative cooperation, open-minded teamwork, and the adventure of finding new solutions to old problems. We each bring all their personal experience and expertise to the table, and join together to produce far better results than we could as individuals.
1. Journal:
What are my responsibilities for my world?
What things can I do in the New Year to actively help my family, my community, and my society to solve our problems?
How might I create situations for synergy and creative teamwork?
2. Kwanzaa ceremony:
I light the black candle and the purple again, the inside red candle, and the inside green candle- for the earth, the young people, and the new ideas they bring. Then I recite this affirmation-
I will help my family and community solve problems by working cooperatively.
I invited my friend Georgia over today and we finally finished this banner my Sunday School class worked so hard on. It's the perfect example of synergy!
The fourth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of ujamaa (oo-JAH-maah), cooperative economics- the idea that when we all work together, we all profit. Cooperative economics encourages us to meet our common needs by chipping in together. Imagine a world where everyone shares their wealth (even our government) and uses our economic strengths to make the world a better place!
On this day of Kwanzaa, I pledge to support community businesses, neighborhood stores, and local artists, and to boycott businesses that take from my community and give nothing back. Also, I remember that I need to share my wealth within my family and community, and respect the work done by others by compensating them fairly.
Ujamaa is about generousity and integrity, sharing what I have- money or food or time, and weighing carefully the pros and cons for the community before buying things.
1. Journal:
How can I put my money and energy to the best possible use in the service of the community?
What resources do I have that I could share?
What changes could I make in my buying habits?
2. Kwanzaa ceremony:
I light the black candle and the purple, the inside red candle, and the inside green candle, plus another red candle. Then I recite this affirmation-
I will be generous with my resources, and have integrity with my buying habits.
3. Cooperative economics project:
Make a donation of time or money to a local charity.
No comments:
Post a Comment