#kwanzaatable

Exciting times as we anticipate the New Year on the 6th day of #Kwanzaa! Today’s value is kuumba, or creativity! Anyone who knows me knows how closely I hold creativity to my heart, so tonight is a special night. To create anything is as natural as breath, and yet it also takes immense courage. Yet it is just what we do. 🌽 🌽 🌽 #kwanzaatable #economiccrafts #kinara #simplecrafts #creative #holidays #happyholidays #africanamerican #africanamericanculture #africanamericancrafter #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlswhoblog #blackcreatives #aerialview #candles #corn #firstfruits #unitycup #blackteachers #6candles #kuumba #creativity https://www.instagram.com/p/BsEfpijluHR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sl948fwb4tec

Foodimagery is woven throughout the fabric of Kwanzaa: and shows up prominently on the Kwanzaatable: “An African basket or wooden bowl of fruits and vegetables represents the crops (first fruits) and serves as the centerpiece. Another symbol, muhundi (corn) has special relevance in many African societies as a fundamental food staple that also represents the human life cycle. During Kwanzaa, ears of corn represent the children of a household, extended family, or community. The #unitycup (Kikombe cha umoja) is used for the ancient African practice of pouring #libations for the ancestors using water, juice, or #wine. so much of Kwanzaa is about sharing #memorablemeals (#karamu) The holiday even culminates in a big #KaramuFeast that takes place on December 31st, the evening of the sixth day (Kuumba/Creativity). A time when relatives, extended family, friends, and neighbors come together for a ceremonial, communal meal ideally featuring foods /dishes from throughout the #AfricanDiaspora … Dishes with #folkloric significance are a great idea— like the #blackAmericanFoodTradition of eating #collardgreens and #blackeyedpeas or #HoppinJohn (a black-eyed pea, rice & peppers pilau) on #NewYearsDay for #goodluck and #prosperity throughout the #NewYear! (at Tustin, California)

On this final night of #Kwanzaa, we have seven candles burning bright. I placed a small bowl of black eye peas on the Kwanzaa table as a symbol of good luck in the new year! 🌽After a meal of black eye peas, rice, and collard greens, we gave Kwanzaa gifts. 🌽 We ponder today’s principle, which is Imani, or faith. This definition is particularly beautiful: “To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.” So. beautiful. 🌽 This Kwanzaa I relied heavily on the Official Kwanzaa Website (http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/) Thanks to whoever made it! 🌽 I have loved this exploration of Kwanzaa and I will come back to it over the course of 2019. ❤️ 💚 🖤 #kwanzaatable #economiccrafts #kinara #simplecrafts #creative #holidays #happyholidays #africanamerican #africanamericanculture #africanamericancrafter #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlswhoblog #blackcreatives #xproii #candles #corn #firstfruits #unitycup #blackteachers #7candles #imani #faith #goodvibes #goodluck #newyear #2019 #january (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsHLk3iFXJK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jxtxffkcw17l

On this 5th day of #Kwanzaa, we reflect upon my favorite African American value, Nia, meaning purpose. 🌽 With this view of the kinara, you can see that my “black” candle is actually blue! I couldn’t find a matching black candle, so I decoupaged a black cocktail napkin over a blue candle. 🖤 💚 ❤️ #kwanzaatable #economiccrafts #kinara #simplecrafts #creative #holidays #happyholidays #africanamerican #africanamericanculture #africanamericancrafter #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlswhoblog #blackcreatives #aerialview #candles #corn #firstfruits #unitycup #blackteachers #5candles #nia #purpose (at Broward County, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCDCAGFaOd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u6ewj6uiuvdi