This year marks the 30th anniversary of Kwanzaa, a cultural festival during which African Americans celebrate and reflect upon their rich heritage as the products of two traditions. During this week-long holiday we focus on traditional African values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has come to be observed by more than 13 million people in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.

Although Dr. Karenga is a professor and chair of the department of black studies at California State University, a world-wide traveling lecturer and a chairman of the President's Task Force on Multicultural and Campus Diversity, he's probably best known for creating Kwanzaa. He believed that a special holiday could help African Americans meet their goals of building strong families, learning about their history, and creating a sense of unity. After conducting extensive research in which he studied the festivals of many African groups of people, he decided that the new holiday should be a harvest or "first fruits" celebration, incorporating ideas from many different harvest traditions.

The celebration begins December 26 and lasts for seven days. Kwanzaa is based on seven principles which are called Nguzo Saba. The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia(Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa(Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). One principle is highlighted each day of the holiday.

In preparation for the celebration, a straw mat (Mkeka) is placed on the table, along with a seven-candle candle holder (Kinara) with seven candles, one black (placed in the center), three red (on the right), and three green (on the left). The black candle represents the African-American people, the red is for their struggles, and the green represents their hopes for the future. Other items placed on the table are a variety of fruit (Mazao), ears of corn to reflect the number of children in the household, gifts (Zawadi), and a communal unity cup (Kikombe Cha Umoja) for pouring and sharing libation. African artifacts, including items necessary for celebrating Kwanzaa, may be purchased locally at Abaglo's Gallery at 19th and Agate. Call (541) 344-3060.

It is important that the Kinara not be confused with the menorah. The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles of Kwanzaa, while the menorah is a Jewish religious symbol that holds eight candles. If you don't have a Kinara and can't get one, it is suggested that you use "kuumba" (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores. The Mkeka (place mat) shouldn't resent a problem. While straw is suggested because it is traditional, cloth makes an adequate substitute. If cloth is used, one with an African print is preferred. The other symbols are easy to come by and warrant no further discussion other than to caution against placing the Mazao (crops) in a cornucopia which is Western. A plain straw basket or a bowl will do just fine.

All seven symbols are creatively placed on top of the place mat, i.e., the symbols should be attractively arranged as they form the Kwanzaa centerpiece. Even households with no children should place an ear of corn on the place mat to symbolize the African concept of social parenthood.

Each day of Kwanzaa, usually before the evening meal, family and friends gather around the table and someone lights a candle, beginning with the black. After that candles are lit alternately from left to right. While the candle is being lit, a principle is recited; then each person present takes a turn to speak about the importance that principle has to him- or herself. Next the ceremony focuses on remembering those who have died. A selected person pours water or juice from the unity cup into a bowl. That person then drinks from the cup and raises it high saying "Harambee" which means "Lets all pull together." All repeat "Harambee!" seven times and each person drinks from the cup. Then names of African-American leaders and heroes are called out, and everyone reflects upon the great things these people did. The ceremony is followed by a meal, and then singing and perhaps listening to African music.