How to Decorate For Kwanzaa
By E J Jolivet
There is no definitive guide on how to decorate for Kwanzaa because the occasion is all about being creative and constantly evolving. To ensure you have relevant decor, familiarize yourself with the tenets of the observance.
The main foundations of the African American celebration is based on the first-fruit harvest rituals of Africa. A big Kwanzaa feast is held on the final day of the celebration and having beautiful adornment throughout the home and especially the table is a staple of the tradition. I've listed the most popular decor and symbols of the festive occasion.
- A unity cup
- A long candle holder
- Hand made gifts
- The tree of gratefulness
- A straw mat
- Ears of corn (yams or other produce can be used)
- Hand made Zawadi (gifts)
Tabletop Decorations For Kwanzaa
A colorful piece of African cloth should be draped across the table with a Kinara, a long candleholder that holds seven candles, each representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa as the center piece. You can also display framed photos of loved ones both past and present on your table. Your table decorations should include a unity cup (kikombe cha umoja) and ears of corn(Vibunzi), with the other African related decor on a straw mat (Mkeka).
Kwanzaa decorations often include a small tabletop tree or plant, decorated with black and gold, the colors of Africa and small African ornaments such as masks or animals.
Kinara, The Candle Holder
Light is a vital element to the celebration and hence the colored candles. They are green, black, and red to symbolize freedom, unity, and spilled blood, respectively.In some families the honor of lighting the candles goes to the youngest child. In other families it's performed by the eldest family member. Some traditions have a different family member lighting the candles each night.
The Tree of Gratefulness
A tree of gratefulness is used to emphasize the harvest roots of Kwanzaa. It can also be used as a wishing tree, with leaves bearing family members' goals for improving themselves, their community, or the lives of all African Americans.
Celebrants often substitute a large potted plant for a tree or make a tree with paper leaves from a poster board or choose a tree from their yard to use.
The Umoja (Unity Cup)
The unity cup (kikombe cha umoja) is used during toasts to the ancestors. It's traditionally filled with wine. You may want to have a second cup filled with fruit juice for the children. An important part of each Kwanzaa celebration is, The Tambiko (Libation) that is performed by an elder. The elder pours the libation using juice or water from the Tambiko set up in honor of the ancestors.
It's poured into the North South East And West corners of the room.The four corners of are used to represent the four cardinal points of the globe. The elder repeats the Libation Statement ( TAMSHI LA TAMBIKO).
How To Chose Zawadi (Gifts)
Hand made Zawadi (gifts) are encouraged over commercial purchases. Items that relate to Black heritage or that have a special meaning to a family and any item that will help the person through the next year are favored gifts.
Overall each gift should be reflective of a commitment to education, the richness of African American cultural heritage and a sign associated with of the struggle for liberation for Black people.
Finding New Decorating Ideas For Kwanzaa
When you decorate for Kwanzaa you can be both creative and imaginative and draw ideas from the potpourri of meaningful symbols, traditions and African cultures the celebration encompasses. Anything that illuminates the ancestry of African Americans, who valued and created for themselves, strong families, a strong culture and a strong communities can be included in your ornamentation.
The African American celebration should be a festive event. Traditional decorations, festooning, and recipes are fine, however use a limitless palette that suits your individual taste when you're seeking new decorating ideas. It's expected during a celebration that promotes: creativity, unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose and faith, the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
E J Jolivet is a freelance writer working, writing and worshiping in Houston, TX.
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