Once you know a little bit about Kwanzaa, deciding what symbols to use and how to make handmade Kwanzaa cards can be easy.
What Is Kwanzaa?
The word Kwanzaa comes from “matunda ya kwanzaa,” a Swahili phrase meaning ‘first fruits, a celebration dating back to ancient times.
According to the Official Kwanzaa web Site, in 1966 Maulana Karenga established an America Kwanzaa tradition celebrated today by a growing number of African Americans.
The Seven Principals and Their Symbols-
Beginning December 31, one principle is commemorated each:
Umoja – Unity
Kujichagulia – Self-Determination
Ujima – Collective Work and Responsibility
Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics
Nia – Purpose
Kuumba – Creativity
Imani – Faith
The Kinara-
The Kinara is crafted from natural materials to hold three red and three green candles. In the center and slightly higher is a black candle. A candle is lit daily to observe one principle. African baskets, cloth patterns and art objects are other symbols used.
The Greeting-
Each day a greeting is offered, ‘Habari Gani’ (What’s the word?) The appropriate response is the principle of the day.
Gifts-
Children receive gifts, usually books for learning or heritage symbols for commitment to tradition.
Creating Your Cards
To create Kwanzaa cards using the traditions and symbols, use the following materials: (See Figure 1)
-Blank cards from a craft store; or plain cardstock cut to size. Black or white is best as a base for your card.
-Inexpensive, multi-color pack of construction paper for trim. Or use scraps of colorful papers in Kwanzaa colors.
Assembly-
Cut out paper kinaras, candles, baskets, fruit, or whatever symbols you choose. They don’t have to be complicated, simple shapes are easiest.
Play with the layout until you have a design that works for you.
Glue the pieces into place on a contrasting piece of paper.
For a more creative look, layer paper one sheet on top of the other.
Add handwritten or printed words.
A Printed Design-
If you don’t like cutting and pasting, use a simple program like ‘Paint’ to embellish your card with poems, family pictures or Kwanzaa symbols printed from your your PC.
Here are some ideas for specific cards for you to do-
1-Principles and Their Symbols-
Figure 2 shows the Kwanzaa symbols and principles in black and white. You may draw them yourself and use them all on a single card or use one symbol per card.
2- Habari Gani (See Figure 3)
Your card can ask the question and answer it with one of the Kwanzaa principles of the day.
3-What Kwanzaa Means To You-
Create a poem for your card, then add a small picture of your family.
4. A Kwanzaa Arrangement-
You can use a Kinara alone. (figure 5) or cut out other symbols such as African baskets, cloth patterns, art objects harvest to create an arrangement.
5-Mixed Media-
Create a printed Kwanzaa card, then glue on photos, symbols, ribbon and bits of color to create a one of a kind work of art.
