Ask The Expert: I have been invited to attend a Kwanzaa celebration at a friend’s house. What do I need to know a Kwanzaa and what kind of hostess gift etiquette applies?
Wedding and Party Network: That’s a great question! Many people want to help friends and loved ones enjoy Kwanzaa though they themselves have not celebrated the holiday. Enjoying Kwanzaa for the first time is also a significant occasion that merits special attention. Even those who have celebrated Kwanzaa for years can benefit from understanding the holiday’s gift giving etiquette.
First, let’s start with some background information on Kwanzaa. The holiday was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga though a form of the “first fruits” celebration can be traced back to ancient Egyptian culture. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture and was established to preserve and promote African culture.
Kwanzaa is based on seven guiding principles called the Nguzo Saba. These principles are:
- Umoja — focuses on the importance of community and togetherness. This is also reflected in the African saying, “I am we” or “I am because we are.”
- Kujichagulia — emphasizes self-determination and making decisions that are in the best interest of friends and community
- Ujima — regards the importance of collective work and responsibility; a reminder of an obligation to the past, present and future.
- Ujamaa — emphasizes the importance of an economy where collective economic strength enhances the community as a whole; encourages mutual support.
- Nia — encourages setting personal goals that enhance the betterment of the community.
- Kuumba — emphasizes personal creativity and its role in community.
- Imani — focuses on faith and honoring quality traditions. Very much an affirmation of self-worth.
So when celebrating Kwanzaa, what gifts are appropriate? To whom are Kwanzaa gifts given? The answers lie in drawing on the values emphasized in the seven guiding principles. Kuumba (creativity) is always encouraged. Gifts are traditionally given from parents to children on the last day of Kwanzaa, but gifts may also be given to any celebrant at any time during the celebration.
The most traditional Kwanzaa gifts given are (1) books that emphasize learning and tradition and (2) a heritage symbol. A common African value is the importance of learning and tradition. Presenting a child with a book that presents this information is a common Kwanzaa gift. Heritage symbols can include anything from African art, cultural symbols in African colors (red, green, black), and more. Again, creativity is encouraged in all aspects of Kwanzaa.
There are also seven symbols of Kwanzaa which can be used in Kwanzaa decorations or during the Karamu (Kwanzaa feast). Incorporating these symbols into the Zawadi (the gifts) will make the gift that much more meaningful. The seven symbols of Kwanzaa are:
- Mazao (the crops) — symbolic of African harvest celebrations and the rewards of the mutual labors of a community.
- Mkeka (the mat) — Mkeka are usually made of straw but can be made of cloth with an African motif; symbolic of building upon foundation.
- Kinara (the candle holder) — symbolic of roots, parent people, and continental Africa.
- Muhindi (the corn) — symbolic of children and the future which they represent.
- Mishumaa Saba (the seven candles) — symbolic of the Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles).
- Kikome cha Umoja (the Unity cup) — symbolic of unity which makes everything else possible.
- Zawadi (the gifts) — symbolic of the hard work made by parents and the commitments made and kept by children.
Understanding the traditions and traditional gifts of Kwanzaa makes giving a gift for this holiday an enjoyable and rather easy experience. Whether you call on a local florist for a fruit basket in celebration of the harvest or give a more traditional gift, be creative! Send a card with a traditional greeting in Swahili (the language of Kwanzaa). Just remember that Kwanzaa is a wonderful time of community and celebration. Your hostess will appreciate any thoughtful gift.
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