Habari Gani? This is the Swahili greeting given at Kwanzaa, the least known but fastest-growing of the winter
holidays. When you greet someone with Habari Gani? you are asking "what's
the news?" Kwanzaa--meaning "first fruits of the
harvest"--celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated
for seven days, from December 26 to January 1. In the seven days there are
seven principles that people aim for. Here's the list in Swahili and English,
plus free printable Kwanzaa lesson plans,
Swahili worksheets, African crafts and games.
The seven Kwanzaa principles are--"umoja" meaning unity,
"kujichagulia" or self-determination, knowing one's self. Ujima means
working collectively and being socially responsible. "ugamaa" refers
to cooperative economics and bartering for the common good (instead of
selfishly undercutting for one's personal gain). "Nia" is sense of
purpose and "kuumba" is creativity. Over it all is "imani"
or trust and faith.
The symbols of Kwanzaa include seven candles or
"mishumaa" in Swahili. There are 3 red, 3 green, 1 black cancle which
together represent Kwanzaa's seven principles. These are placed in a kinara, a
candle holder, representing a stalk of corn. This ceremonial holder shows
people grow in families from the earth. The Kwanzaa candle holders look similar
to a Jewish menorah.. The "mkeka" is a straw place mat, recalling
tradition and history. Placed on the mat are a variety of fruit, symbolizing
harvest called the mazao. The "vibunzi" is an ear of corn. One is
given to each child, celebrating the child's potential (what they can become).
The "kikombe cha umoja" is a cup of unity, which recalls the
ancestors.
Children are given simple but significant gifts at Kwanzaa. The
purpose is to develop creativity, potential and success. Gifts, in Swahili are
called "zawadi." Use these free educational resources to explore
Kwanzaa. Habari Gani? Offers a wonderful history, perspective and collections
of free printable Kwanzaa activities and African crafts. About Homeschooling has a large selection of free printable Kwanzaa lesson plans, games, Swahili puzzles and African crafts
Kwanzaa.
ABC Teach has free printable Kwanzaa lesson plans for elementary subjects: math, reading, social studies, history
and writing. Many are inter-disciplinary or cross-cultural. There are links for
crafts, vocabulary, and more. Mr. Donn has developed a large collection of free printable Kwanzaa lesson plans Swahili worksheets and African crafts all focused upon Black or
African American history. He has made many free printable lessons. Making
Friends has free printable Kwanzaa lesson plans, crafts and African
crafts.
