Kwanzaa Traditions
© Charla L. Draper
As with any holiday, Kwanzaa traditions vary and continue to
evolve with each celebration. Though the holiday is a
celebration of African-American heritage and culture, it is
important to remember that African-Americans are diverse,
reflecting a broad spectrum of experiences and lifestyles.
Kwanzaa traditions also reflect this diversity. These
traditions include the following:
Making Kwanzaa Gifts
Set aside time on the first day of Kwanzaa to make
gifts to exchange during the Kwanzaa feast or karamu.
Gifts should be handmade and educational, teaching
something about the heritage of people of African
descent. These gifts can include books on African-
American history or culture or food items linked to the
African diaspora. Ideas are available online at
various websites and in publications focusing on food
and entertaining from The Cooking Club of America.
Honoring the Ancestors and Elders
In local communities or among the church family
organize a visit with youth groups to nursing homes,
senior centers or residences to celebrate Kwanzaa with
the residents. This visit can also include small gifts
such as bookmarks or socks with Kwanzaa colored trim
for the residents.
Wear Traditional African Clothing
Though traditional African garb can be worn year round,
many people wear it during the seven days of Kwanzaa or
at the Kwanzaa feast or karamu.
Kwanzaa Menus
Food is an integral part of the celebration. During
Kwanzaa, some people abstain from eating meat until the
Kwanzaa feast or karamu. On each day of the Kwanzaa
celebration, include a dish from a different country in
the African diaspora.
Edible gifts such as quick breads or nut mixes can make
great presents for the host or hostess of Kwanzaa
activates.
Kwanzaa Feast or Karamu
The Kwanzaa karamu can be intimate with close family
and friends or a large community celebration. This
menu can be a cooperative effort with each person
bringing a dish. These dishes can be family favorites
or foods of one particular country. In the spirit of
Kwanzaa, and learning about African heritage, some
families and churches, select one country and the
entire karamu menu includes dishes and foodstuffs from
the specified land.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa Recipes
Source: Charla L. Draper
It is not legal to reprint without author's permission.
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