A Kwanzaa celebration will be held 4-10 p.m., Jan. 1, at the Looking Glass Artist Collective Black Box Theater, 407 N. Lee St., in Downtown Salisbury’s Rail Walk Art District.
This celebration recognizes the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa and the principle of Imani which means “faith.”
Eleanor Qadirah and the Rowan Blues and Jazz Society are sponsoring the celebration which will include African drumming by Saleef, Curlada and friends and feature an African dance group.
The community is invited to come out and share covered dishes and enjoy the various other local talents. Refreshments will be served.
Limited vendor spaces are available for the Marketplace. Reservations must be made in advance.
For information call 704-636-2811.
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Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. It is celebrated through singing, speaking, dancing and recitation. Kwanzaa is built on seven principles that are commonly known as “Nguzo Saba.”
Kwanzaa was developed from elements of the African heritage and is a ceremony of appreciation for the first fruits of harvest. Kwanzaa is not a religious celebration, but a commemoration of heritage and togetherness.
The celebration of Kwanzaa lasts seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Each of the seven days of the celebration is dedicated to one of the seven principles.
Each day one candle is lit that represents each principle.
– Day 1, middle candle, black, UmojaóUnity
– Day 2, innermost red candle, Kujichagulia ó Self-determination
– Day 3, innermost green candle, Ujima ó Collective Work and Responsibility
– Day 4, middle red candle, Ujamaa ó Cooperative Economics
– Day 5, middle green candle, Nia ó Purpose
– Day 6, outermost red candle, Kuumba ó Creativity
– Day 7, outermost green candle, Imani ó Faith
There are many symbols of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa candleholder is called a kinara. The straw mat that the kinara is placed on is a mkeka. Ears of corn are also placed on the mat, one to represent each child in the household. They are called the vibunzi (or muhindi).
A fruit basket is placed on the mkeka, and is called the mazao. The unity cup is also placed on the mkeka, and is called the kikombe cha umoja. The seven candles that are placed in the kinara are called the Mishumaa Saba. All the gifts are called the zawadi and are traditionally given on Imani, the last day of Kwanzaa.
The last day of Kwanzaa, Imani, focuses on honoring traditions and reaffirming self worth through gift giving. Gifts are often made rather than bought because Kwanzaa emphasizes creativity.