KWANZAA HOLIDAY SUPPLIES
Holiday Calendar

Kwanzaa is an annual, non-religious holiday that celebrates the unity and culture of all people of African ancestry.

Kwanzaa lasts from December 26 to January 1, and provides an opportunity for families and communities to come closer together, through storytelling, a recommitment to time-honored principles and the sharing of a Kwanzaa Karamu (feast) that features traditional African and African-influenced foods.

Kwanzaa (KWAHN'zah) the Swahili word for "first," which can also mean "first fruits of the harvest" is now celebrated by many millions of African-Americans every year.

Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that begins on December 26 and lasts until January 1. Each day recognizes an enduring principle of African life.

Party Supplies


KWANZAA
7 days of celebration. As you light the candles for your Kwanzaa Celebration, decorate your table with these beautiful paper goods.
7" Plates
10" Plate
Beverage Napkin
Luncheon Napkin
9oz Cups
Tablecloth 54"x 102"
Green Forks, Knives and Spoons

Kwanzaa 7' Banner
Seven Days of Celebration! As you light the candles for your celebration decorate with this colorful 7' banner.

Disposable Party Cameras
Picture This! This 3 pack of cameras is great for any party. Place them on your tables and pick them up when the party's over. Develop 24 to 27 pictures. Our cameras have fresh 400 speed film and automatic flash.

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF KWANZAA

KWANZAA is a time for reflection on the many values that bring the African-American family and community together. There are seven principles to focus on one for each day of the week-long celebration.

Together, the Nguzo Saba (Swahili for "seven principles"), spell out the fundamental guidelines that govern the best elements of African-derived life. Each principle has a Swahili and an English name, and each is symbolized by a candle in the Kinara.

December 26 Umoja / Unity
Umoja stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community. Even though we are descended from people who were scattered throughout the world, where they spoke many tongues and adapted to many influences, we are still, in most ways, one people. This shared unity of common heritage and spirit is honored on the first day of Kwanzaa.

December 27 Kujichagulia / Self-Determination
Kujichagulia requires that we define our common interests. Like our ancestors, we must be independent, strong-willed and in charge of our own destiny as individuals, as families and as a united community. Self-Determination is celebrated on the second day of the festival.

December 28 Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibilty
The third day of Kwanzaa gives recognition to Ujima: the idea that, by working together and taking responsibilty for our own actions and those around us, we honor our forefathers and insure our own well-being and that of our children.

December 29 Ujamaa / Cooperative economics
Ujamaa emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Together, we can use our joint resources to do the many things yet undone that will protect and improve the lives of our families and our community.

December 30 Nia / Purpose
Nia, the theme of Kwanzaa's fifth day, encourages us to set personal goals. Recognizing how our own goals fit into those of our family and community, and understanding the purpose behind our actions, helps us to reach those goals.

December 31 Kuumba / Creativity
The sixth day of Kwanzaa celebrates Kuumba, the ability we all have to put our imaginations to work, to make our ideas a reality, even to make our dreams come true, for the good of ourselves and our society.

January 1 Imani / Faith
Imani helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to triumph in the struggle for what is right. Faith, the final and perhaps most important Kwanzaa principle, is the focus of the seventh day.

THE SYMBOLS OF KWANZAA

The celebration of Kwanzaa is not complete without the display and use of seven important symbols, which can be displayed in an attractive setting in your home. During the Karamu many of the symbols are used in the ceremony. Each has its own significance and plays a separate role. Each is a simple but elegant expression of the meaning of Kwanzaa.

1. Mkeka / Straw Mat
The Mkeka reflects a reverence for tradition. It is the foundation on which all other values are based, so all the other symbols are arranged creatively on and around it, as the Kwanzaa centerpiece. Ideally, it should be a simple straw mat, but if none can be found or if you prefer, a cloth with an African-inspired print is a good substitute.

2. Mazao / Crops
These are fresh fruits and vegetables apples, bananas, carrots, squash, etc. that are placed in a simple basket or bowl, to symbolize a unified effort. (Note: use only hardy fruits and vegetables; bananas, for example, should be green on the first day of Kwanzaa, so they don't get over-ripe.)

3. Dried corn
Use one ear of dried corn to represent each child in the family or at the Karamu gathering. Even households with no children, however, should place two ears of corn for male and female on the Mkeka, to symbolize the African concept of communal parenthood.

4. Zawadi / Enriching gifts
These symbolize the sharing and generosity of the African community. The gifts should be simple, affordable, and related to African themes and culture. A cloth doll, a necklace, a storybook or a simple instrument are good examples. Using Kuumba (creativity) in the making or choosing of gifts is particularly encouraged, so anything that can be hand-made, should be. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, but can be given at any time during Kwanzaa.

5. Kikombe cha umoja / Unity cup
The unity cup represents continuity with ancestors and the strength of the family and the community. The cup is used during the Karamu (see Feast) and the participant may either drink from it, or make a sipping gesture.

6. Kinara / Candleholder
The Kinara will be used to hold seven candles and it symbolizes the continent and peoples of Africa. A Kinara can be purchased in many specialty shops, but if you can't find one, it is easy to make from almost any piece of wood. Again, simplicity and Kuumba are important. (Note: the Kinara is not to be confused with the Menorah, the Jewish religious symbol, which holds eight candles.)

7. Mishumaa saba / Seven candles
Each of the candles is a symbol in itself, representing one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. All seven candles are present in the Kinara throughout the holiday. The black center candle, representing Umoja, is lighted on the first day and another on each subsequent day. The three red candles to the left of the Umoja candle symbolize struggle and the three green ones to the right represent hope. On the second day, a red candle is lighted, to symbolize Kujichagulia; on the third day, a green candle is lighted, representing Ujima; then red for Ujamaa, green for Nia and so on, until all seven candles are lighted on Jan. 1st.

SIMPLE GOURMET RECIPES FOR THE KARAMU

Pumpkin Bread

1 pkg of Bountiful Beer Bread
12 oz can orange soda
15 oz can pure pumpkin
2-4 tsp. Instant Mulling Spice

Mix Bountiful Beer Bread, pumpkin, soda and Instant Mulling Spice for 20-30 seconds. Bake in an 8X8 pan at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes. Sprinkle Instant Mulling Spice on top.

Hot Spiced Apples

6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 to 1/3 cup sugar 3 Tbs. water (to cook apples with)
2 Tbs. Instant Mulling Spice
1 Tbs. lemon juice
2 Tbs. water (to mix with corn starch)
1 Tbs. corn starch

Combine first five ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cover and simmer until apples are almost tender. Blend 2 Tbs. water and 1 Tbs. corn starch; add to the hot apple mixture: cook and stir until bubbly. Serve as a side dish or over waffles, pancakes or ice cream.

Corn Bread

1 pkg Bountiful Beer Bread
15 oz can creamed corn
1/3 cup oil (NO beer or soda)

Mix all ingredients for 20-30 seconds. Pour into bread pan and bake for 50-55 minutes at 375 degrees. Can also be made into mini loaf pans or muffins.

Vanilla Creme Fraiche

3 Tbs. Vanilla Drizzle
2 Tbs. sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sour cream

Beat whipping cream with sugar until it peaks and starts to form. Fold in Vanilla Drizzle and sour cream. Serve on top of Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake.

Mancala Game
Make and play an OWARE Game
Make a Kinara Centerpiece