— SACRED TIME —

Kwanzaa

December 26 – January 1 · African traditions · Peoples and regions

Fixed date

Esoteric and historical meaning

Seven days and seven principles (Nguzo Saba) of reconnection with African heritage: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, faith.

Operative mechanics — ritual acts

·Daily lighting of a candle on the kinara
·Discussion of the principle of the day
·Karamu, community banquet on the sixth day

Traditional foods

·African diaspora dishes
·Fruit and maize on the mat

Offerings

·Water libation to the ancestors
·Corn cob for each child of the house

Taboos to respect

·Do not reduce the holiday to the exchange of expensive gifts

Associated symbols

Kinara with seven candles · Mkeka mat · Red, black, green