Kwanzaa
Today marks the start of the seven-day Kwanzaa festival, a holiday observed by many African-American families in recognition of their African heritage. Kwanzaa, which means first fruit in Swahili, begins with a special harvest feast, known as karamu, held on the first day.
Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues until New Years Day, January 1st.
On the first day of Kwanzaa the center black candle is lit, representing the first principle of Kwanzaa – Umoja (oo-MOH-jah): Unity.
Did You Know?
Facts, Figures &
Folklore about Kwanzaa Dec 25 : 01 day till Kwanzaa
Did you know that the official colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green?
These colors, inspired by the African flag, are represented in the candles lit each night, and also are included in home decorations. Other decorations feature traditional African items, such as baskets, cloths, and harvest symbols.
Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection. A time of endings and beginnings. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues until New Years Day, January 1st.
Did You Know?
Facts, Figures &
Folklore about Christmas Dec 24 : Christmas Eve
Did you know that the night before Christmas has as many unique traditions as it does people who celebrate it?
Throughout Europe and in many last-minute American homes, too, families gather to “deck the halls” and set up their Christmas tree. There is the tradition of lighting bayberry candles on Christmas Eve and reciting the verse: “Bayberry candles burned to the socket, puts luck in the home, food in the larder, and gold in the pocket.” Midnight Mass is also part of many Roman Catholics and Anglicans Christmas Eve celebration.
And for many families, Christmas Eve also marks the late-night arrival of Santa Claus. Children leave out milk and cookies before they go to bed, for Santa and his reindeer to enjoy. Many countries throughout the world open presents on Christmas Eve. While in the US it is more common to open gifts on Christmas morning.
Did you know that the Italian tradition of the Feast of Seven Fishes is a celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus?
In his honor, many Roman Catholics do not eat meat on Christmas Eve, enjoying instead a feast of seven seafood and shellfish dishes. The number seven signifies the number of days in which G-d created the universe. The Feast of Seven Fishes tradition originated in southern Italy and is still practiced there today, as well as by many Italian American families.
Christmas is the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, and is a central part of the winter holiday season. Although traditionally a Christian holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated worldwide by many non-Christians.
Santa Claus, a popular mythological figure, is also an important part of the celebration and is associated with the bringing of gifts for children.
Join us for a new Did You Know holiday fact each day as we countdown to Christmas. This year Christmas Eve will be celebrated Friday December 24, Christmas Saturday December 25.
During the holiday of Kwanzaa, many people exchange greetings in Swahili. A common greeting is “Habari Gani,” which is Swahili for “What’s the News.”
Did you know that on the last full day of Kwanzaa celebrants enjoy a large feast?
This feast, called karamu, is the high point of the holiday.
Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection. A time of endings and beginnings. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues until New Years Day, January 1st.
