Sunday, December 19, 2010
New Inspiration for the Nation
Guests this week on George Kilpatrick New Inspiration for the Nation, Small Business Camp Founder, Andrew Morrison helps entrepreneurs prepare for the new year, author Blanche Jackson-Hill helps you get straight to the point with yur money, and we meet a 13 year old organ transplant recipient Mike Carraway who uses his gift of life to help others. Listen to New Inspiration for the Nation this Sunday, December 26 and every Sunday at 9:00AM ET on www.power1069.com
How to Make a Call for Unity During Kwanzaa
Habara Gani
Kwanzaa
Dec 26-Jan 1
There are seven principles. Each day a candle is lit to represent the principle of the day. The are seven candles 1 black, 3 red, and 3 green. Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga. On the first day the black candle is lit, then each alternate beginning with red, then green. I like the very simple definitions suggested by author Deborah Newton Chocolate, to describe the principles. We celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas in our home. There are a number of books available on the subject at your public library online or at your favorite bookstore.
1. Umoja-Unity
We help each other.
2. Kujichagulia- Self Determination
We decide things for ourselves.
3. Ujima- Collective Work and Responsibility
We work together to make life better.
4. Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics
We build support for our own businesses.
5. Nia-Purpose
We have a reason for living.
6. Kuumba-Creativity
We use our minds and hands to make things.
7. Imani-Faith
We believe in ourselves, our ancestors, and our future.
Unity-Umoja
Here's one way to make to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa in your home and community. It's pretty simple. I found this on ehow.com
1. Arrange for a gathering to make the call for unity during the Kwanzaa celebration. The gathering should include all immediate family members and extended family members.
2. Make or purchase a unity cup for the ceremony. Children usually have a good time decorating the family unity cup. Traditionally, only one cup is used per gathering--however, some families give a unity cup to all members and focus on the eldest member's cups during the end of the ceremony.
3. Begin the unity ceremony by meditating on the struggles and accomplishments of ancestors. Each member drinks from his own cup and then the eldest member's cup is passed around to all members at the gathering. There should be water, juice or wine in the cups. ( You can have one symbolic unity cup, and then fill another cup with grapes that can be passed around) It's also fun to have the children make their own unity cup. Simple get a large wine goblet from the dollar store and then have the children paint it. It can also be used a zawadi exchange.
4. Hold the cup up if you are the eldest in the group and pour the liquid (also called libation) on the ground to symbolize the connection of the ancestors' souls to the earth.
5. Lead the Harambee, or call for unity, during this Kwanzaa celebration by chanting seven times (for one set) the word "Harambee."
6. Encourage the other members to energetically chant the set over and over again until you have reached seven sets of seven. This step involves the active participation of all members at the gathering to honor the ancestors and to reinforce the seven principles of Kwanzaa or the "Nguzu Saba."
7. Pass the unity cup to each member of the group from eldest to youngest. Each member will take a final sip until the cup is empty. The group ends the ceremony by collectively saying "Amen."
Tips & Warnings
* This ceremony can be done in a local church if there are a lot of people attending the gathering.
* Young children are encouraged to participate in this ceremony to familiarize them with the way people of African descent honor and appreciate the ancestors.
* Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1 each year.
Kwanzaa
Dec 26-Jan 1
There are seven principles. Each day a candle is lit to represent the principle of the day. The are seven candles 1 black, 3 red, and 3 green. Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga. On the first day the black candle is lit, then each alternate beginning with red, then green. I like the very simple definitions suggested by author Deborah Newton Chocolate, to describe the principles. We celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas in our home. There are a number of books available on the subject at your public library online or at your favorite bookstore.
1. Umoja-Unity
We help each other.
2. Kujichagulia- Self Determination
We decide things for ourselves.
3. Ujima- Collective Work and Responsibility
We work together to make life better.
4. Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics
We build support for our own businesses.
5. Nia-Purpose
We have a reason for living.
6. Kuumba-Creativity
We use our minds and hands to make things.
7. Imani-Faith
We believe in ourselves, our ancestors, and our future.
Unity-Umoja
Here's one way to make to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa in your home and community. It's pretty simple. I found this on ehow.com
1. Arrange for a gathering to make the call for unity during the Kwanzaa celebration. The gathering should include all immediate family members and extended family members.
2. Make or purchase a unity cup for the ceremony. Children usually have a good time decorating the family unity cup. Traditionally, only one cup is used per gathering--however, some families give a unity cup to all members and focus on the eldest member's cups during the end of the ceremony.
3. Begin the unity ceremony by meditating on the struggles and accomplishments of ancestors. Each member drinks from his own cup and then the eldest member's cup is passed around to all members at the gathering. There should be water, juice or wine in the cups. ( You can have one symbolic unity cup, and then fill another cup with grapes that can be passed around) It's also fun to have the children make their own unity cup. Simple get a large wine goblet from the dollar store and then have the children paint it. It can also be used a zawadi exchange.
4. Hold the cup up if you are the eldest in the group and pour the liquid (also called libation) on the ground to symbolize the connection of the ancestors' souls to the earth.
5. Lead the Harambee, or call for unity, during this Kwanzaa celebration by chanting seven times (for one set) the word "Harambee."
6. Encourage the other members to energetically chant the set over and over again until you have reached seven sets of seven. This step involves the active participation of all members at the gathering to honor the ancestors and to reinforce the seven principles of Kwanzaa or the "Nguzu Saba."
7. Pass the unity cup to each member of the group from eldest to youngest. Each member will take a final sip until the cup is empty. The group ends the ceremony by collectively saying "Amen."
Tips & Warnings
* This ceremony can be done in a local church if there are a lot of people attending the gathering.
* Young children are encouraged to participate in this ceremony to familiarize them with the way people of African descent honor and appreciate the ancestors.
* Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1 each year.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
This Week on New Inspiration for the Nation
The "real" Antwone Fisher talks about his new book. "A Boy Needs to Know how to Tie a Tie, and we chat it up with Erotique Noir author, Sydney Molare. Listen live Sunday morning at 9:00AM on Power 106.9.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
