Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Happy Kwanzaa!


Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday about the festival of the first harvest of the crops. It begins on December 26, and lasts for seven days. The name Kwanzaa, sometimes spelled Kwanza, comes from a phrase which means "first fruits" in Swahili, an East African language. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966 - 1967. Each day is focused on Nguzo Saba, or the seven principles.

Nguzo Saba (Social and Spiritual Principles)

1. UMOJA (UNITY) (oo-MOE-jah)
2. KUJICHAGULIA (SELF DETERMINATION) (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)
3. UJIMA (COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY) (oo-JEE-mah)
4. UJAMAA (COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS) (oo-JAH-mah)
5. NIA (PURPOSE) (nee-AH)
6. KUUMBA (CREATIVITY) (koo-OOM-bah)
7. IMANI (FAITH) (ee-MAH-nee)

Happy Kwanzaa everyone!

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