Kwanzaa Festival in the USA (26/12)

From December 26 to January 1, the week of the African-American spiritual festival Kwanzaa is celebrated every year, mainly in the United States. It is believed that this is a period of unification and friendship between the two nations.

For the first time, Kwanza Week took place from December 26, 1966 to January 1, 1967.

During the holiday week, just after Christmas, African-Americans gather at a large table every evening, light candles (a symbol of the festival) and discuss one of the Kwanza Principles on which African culture is based. These principles are: self-determination, collective work and responsibility, a united economy, determination, creativity and faith.

The history of the holiday began in 1966, when African-Americans defended their rights for freedom and independence in the struggle. It was at this time that Ron Karenga, leader of the nationalist Black Nationalist United Slaves Organization, proposed the idea of celebrating Kwanzaa for African Americans as an alternative to American Christmas.

Kwanzaa translated from Swahili (Swahili — spoken language of the African continent) means «matunda ya kwanza» — «the first fruit of the harvest». Sometimes the name of the holiday is supplemented with another letter «a» — Kwanzaa. The additional letter «a», according to one version, was added by Ron Karenga for consonance and giving «loudness» the name.

Currently, for this holiday, families celebrating it not only prepare feasts and decorate their homes, but also try to dress in bright national clothes. Traditional Kwanzaa — festive events include playing musical instruments, songs, dances, libation («bloodless» sacrifice), candle lighting ritual, reading prayers and other rituals.

By the way, the tradition of celebrating Kwanzaa gradually spread from the United States to Canada. And today this holiday in both countries is celebrated not only by the African-American population, but also by everyone who cares about African-American culture.

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