What do you wear to a masquerade party?
Choose your best formal black clothing to create your outfit for the masquerade party; black leggings, slacks, dress pants or jeans, and a black shirt that matches the weather and location of the party. If the party is outdoors in the summer, a black tank top would be a good choice.
What is a Kwanzaa Party and should you throw one?
A Kwanzaa party should offer a chance for reflection and togetherness, while eschewing the commercialism that's so prevalent during this time of year. It can also be a wonderful way for people of African heritage to celebrate their culture.
What do you wear a danshiki over?
Wear a danshiki over plain black pants if you're a man looking for a simple garment. The danshiki is a traditional African shirt that features either embroidery or hand painted symbols around the neck. A danshiki can also be worn by women, as long as it's used with a traditional skirt.
Do you have to wear a suit to a gala?
It is not necessary to wear a suit to a gala. It is appropriate to wear formal attire, but it doesn’t have to be a suit. For black-tie, a tuxedo is recommended Can a gala be casual? A gala is a formal event. It’s also a dinner party, or a social gathering. The most common type of gala is one that benefits a particular person, group, or cause.
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What color represents Kwanzaa?
Red, Black and Green The colors of Kwanzaa are a reflection of the Pan-African movementrepresenting “unity” for peoples of African descent worldwide: Black for the people, red for the noble blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and green for the rich land of Africa.
What do you bring to a Kwanzaa party?
Karenga states that Kwanzaa gifts should include two items: a book and a heritage symbol, and that those gifts should never serve as a substitution for love, attention, and involvement with a child. Zawadi can also be given to family members. The sixth principle is Kuumba, meaning creativity.
Do you do gifts for Kwanzaa?
The holiday is also filled with storytelling, music, food, and, of course, gifts! The gifts are generally given among family members on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1, and are typically creative, artistic, and often handmade items that focus on African heritage and promote the betterment of the Black community.
What are 3 traditions of Kwanzaa?
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza which means first fruits, or harvest, in Swahili. Celebrations often include singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, African drumming, and feasting.
What are some traditions for Kwanzaa?
These Kwanzaa Traditions Celebrate the Power of Honoring Our PastAssembling the Kwanzaa display.Lighting the candles.Reflecting on the principle of the day.Preparing and sharing food.Honoring ancestors.Sharing your talents.Reflecting deeply during Imani.
What are gifts given on the last day of Kwanzaa called?
On January 1st, exchange presents for Kuumba. Kuumba, meaning creativity, is highly encouraged and brings a sense of self-satisfaction. The gifts are usually exchanged between the parents and children and are given out traditionally on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa.
What is the religion of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it's a cultural one. Because of this, people from all different religious backgrounds — including African spiritual traditions — celebrate the holiday.
What are the first fruits of Kwanzaa?
Arrange your “first fruits” around the kinara. Fresh pears are a lovely addition to the Kwanzaa table. You will also want to include one ear of corn (a symbol of fertility) for every child in the family. If you don't have kids, you'll still include one ear for the idea of social parenthood.
What do you say on the first day of Kwanzaa?
Habari gani?On the first day of Kwanzaa, December 26, the leader or minister calls everyone together and greets them with the official question: "Habari gani?" ("What's happening?"), to which they respond with the name of the first principle: "Umoja." The ritual is repeated on each day of the Kwanzaa celebration, but the answer ...
What food is eaten on Kwanzaa?
Catfish, collards, and macaroni and cheese all began showing up on Kwanzaa tables, as did jerk chicken, gumbo, accras (Caribbean fritters) and feijoada — foods of the Atlantic rim expressive of the geography of the African diaspora. Kwanzaa food, at its simplest, is any dish people cook for Kwanzaa.
Do you say Happy Kwanzaa?
General Kwanzaa Wishes “Habari Gani! Wishing you a blessed Kwanzaa.” “Heri za Kwanzaa!” (Swahili for “Happy Kwanzaa!”) “Sending warm wishes for a joyful Kwanzaa!”
Can Christians celebrate Kwanzaa?
“Thus, Africans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, i.e. Muslims, Christians, Black Hebrews, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'i and Hindus, as well as those who follow the ancient traditions of Maat, Yoruba, Ashanti, Dogon, etc.” According to Karenga, non-Black people can also enjoy Kwanzaa, just as non-Mexicans ...
What is a Kwanzaa party?
Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn. zə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.
Does anyone still celebrate Kwanzaa?
In 2009, Keith Mayes, author of Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the African-American Holiday Tradition, told the Associated Press that based on his research, he estimates 500,000 to 2 million Americans celebrate Kwanzaa.
What to wear for Kwanzaa?
Accessories can complete an outfit and clothing for Kwanzaa is no exception.#N#Whichever outfit you choose for the celebrations, you can dress it up with the addition of the kente, a traditional piece of fabric made from interwoven strips. Worn as a shawl, the kente is bright yet elegant, and usually made up of a combination of yellow, green and red colours.#N#Jewellery is also a must during Kwanzaa, however its presence should be subtle. Use natural materials like wood and beads to make your own African-inspired jewellery, or purchase pieces from an artist who specializes in African/Kwanzaa accessories.
When is Kwanzaa celebrated?
Kwanzaa is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1. Dating from the 70s, Kwanzaa was created as an annual event to celebrate unity amongst people with African heritage, and to help illustrate the rich culture of Africa to younger generations.
HOW IS KWANZAA CELEBRATED?
Each evening a family the youngest child, lights candles in a special candle holder and discusses one of the seven principles. On the sixth day, which falls on New Years Eve, family and friends gather to enjoy a large feast and to celebrate their history, culture, and the upcoming new year.
HOW IT BEGAN
Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday of Kwanzaa in 1966, during the period of US history in which African Americans were involved in struggles for their civil rights. This was the period of Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights movement, and Black Power.
The foundations of Kwanzaa
The dates of Kwanzaa, December 26 – January 1, were chosen to correspond to the end of the year celebrations in America, in order to bypass the commercial buying period. Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas.
What are the gifts given during Kwanzaa?
Gifts are traditionally given to children during Kwanzaa, and custom dictates that each gift must be accompanied by a book and an ancestral symbol. Instead of buying new books, invite the children in your circle of family and friends to choose one of their favorite books and present it as a gift to one of the other children. Even better, encourage older children to write a short "book" about their family or some part of African heritage, illustrate it, and present it as a gift. Adults can get in on the action as well, creating their own books for the children.
What is the purpose of Kwanzaa?
A Kwanzaa party should offer a chance for reflection and togetherness, while eschewing the commercialism that's so prevalent during this time of year . It can also be a wonderful way for people of African heritage to celebrate their culture. If you choose to take part in Kwanzaa, make this quiet time a memorable week-long occasion with your family and friends.
How many candles are lit on Kwanzaa?
Over the course of Kwanzaa, seven candles are lit. There should be one black candle, which is lit the first night, and three red candles, plus three green candles which are lit on successive nights. The candles stand in a single candle holder, with the black in the center, and the red on the left and green on the right. After the black candle is lit, a new candle is lit every subsequent night, moving from left to right. Each candle has a meaning that corresponds to the Nguzo Saba. You can have a small ceremony each evening to light the day's candle, during which you pause to reflect on the candle's meaning. Consider encouraging your guests to bring traditional African stories or poems that are relevant to that day's principle.
Who is the creator of Kwanzaa?
Dr. Maulana Karenga is widely recognized as the creator of Kwanzaa. The holiday is a way for African Americans and Africans across the globe to reconnect with their ancestral culture and reflect on and celebrate the ideals of the community. Kwanzaa centers on the Nguzo Saba or "Seven Principles." These are:
How to decorate your home for Kwanzaa?
Decorate your home or the main room with the symbols of Kwanzaa. Put a green tablecloth over a centrally located table, and on top of that, place the Mkeka which is a straw or woven mat that symbolizes the historical foundation of African ancestry . Place the following on the Mkeka :
What is the Kwanzaa greeting?
Practice the Kwanzaa greetings. Starting on December 26, greet everyone by saying "Habari Gani" which is a standard Swahili greeting meaning "what is the news?" If someone greets you, respond with the principle (Nguzo Saba) for that day:
What are the seven candles on the Mkeka?
Kinara — a seven-pronged candle-holder. Mishumaa Saba — the seven candles which represent the seven core principles of Kwanzaa.
What is the kwanzaa feast?
Have the Kwanzaa Karamu (feast) on the sixth day (New Year's Eve). The Kwanzaa feast is a very special event that brings everyone closer to their African roots. It is traditionally held on December 31st and is a communal and cooperative effort. Decorate the place where the feast will be held in a red, green, and black scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the feast will be held. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food is placed creatively and made accessible to all to serve themselves. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented.
How many days does it take to celebrate Kwanzaa?
Celebrate Kwanzaa in a variety of different ways. Pick and choose some or all of the following activities throughout the seven days of Kwanzaa, saving the feast for the sixth day. Kwanzaa ceremony may include:
When was Kwanzaa invented?
Kwanzaa is a holiday invented in 1966 by Maulana Karenga through which African Americans can connect with their heritage and culture. It's celebrated from December 26 through January 1, with each of the seven days focusing on one of seven core values, or Nguzo Saba. A candle is lit on each day, and on the last day, gifts are exchanged.
Where should a large kwanzaa be placed?
A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the feast will be held. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food is placed creatively and made accessible to all to serve themselves. Before and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented.
