Kwanzaa's primary role is to provide guiding principles to African-Americans. Kwanzaa is only secondarily about Kiswahili words, African symbols, clothing and ceremony. By celebrating Kwanzaa we should be celebrating lives that practice personal values rather than simply participating in a public display. Kwanzaa's principles are designed to strengthen individual lives first and foremost.
Kwanzaa should have renewed significance each year because each growing season is different. The seven principles are the tools to help us cultivate and harvest fruitful lives. The essence of Kwanzaa is reflected in the personal growth resulting from these principles.
December 26th - Unity (Umoja)
Mind, body and spirit must work together to achieve a goal.
December 27th - Self-determination (Kujichagulia)
Choose your own standards and values. Self-determination is the process of becoming your true self.
December 28th - Collective work and responsibility(Ujima)
To show appreciation for having life, each person has the duty to work to be their best.
December 29th - Cooperative economics (Ujamaa)
Make good use of all your resources by using them in ways and places that uphold the principles.
December 30th - Purpose (Nia)
Purpose is rooted in the soul. Achievement without purpose is not success. Success is a byproduct of a life with purpose.
December 31st - Creativity (Kuumba)
Nothing exists without creativity. We can contribute our creativity to humanity by understanding, developing and using our natural interests and abilities.
January 1st - Faith (Imani)
Faith flows from the mind as a positive mental attitude. Faith provides enduring power, influence and light.
Commitment
Commit to positive changes by concentrating and meditating on these principles. Even if this occurs in privacy, this is a successful Kwanzaa celebration. If we are to celebrate any fruits of the harvest, we must plant, cultivate and live the principles of Kwanzaa throughout the year. Kwanzaa is a part of our Black history and hope.
Usiku practices these principles on Writer's Whirlpool and in his book, Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance. Poetry and short stories interspersed with African and African-American history, culture and ancestry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Usiku_A.
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