Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The African American and Pan-African holiday celebrates family, community and culture. It lasts until Jan. 1.
Follow Mendota Heights Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our free newsletter Kwanzaa begins Wednesday, Dec. 26, and lasts until Jan. 1. Established by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa—according to the officialkwanzaawebsite.org—is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates family, community and culture. Here is more information from officialkwanzaawebsite.org: The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language. The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African …
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Do you know the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven nights, and on each night a different principle is observed. Six of the seven principles are: Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Purpose, Cooperative Economics, Unity, and Faith. What is the seventh priniciple? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Do you know what the colors of the holiday represent?
The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the people, while red represents their struggle. What does the green stand for? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. We'll post the correct answer later in the day.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
How much do you know about one of the newest holiday celebrations?
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University-Long Beach. The name "Kwanzaa" is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" in what language? Editor's Note: Select your answer in the poll below and tell us how you know the answer in the comments section. The answer will be posted later in the day.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Several other holidays—some religious, some secular—make December a special month for non-Christians, too.
Jesus is the reason for the season, the old saying goes, but that’s only partially true. December is also a special time for people from other faith traditions, and those with none at all. For instance: Hanukkah In the spectrum of Jewish observances, Hanukkah is a relatively minor event, says Rabbi Lynn Liberman of the Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights. The holiday has grown in prominence largely because of its proximity to that other big religious holiday that comes along at about the same time. Hanukkah celebrates a military victory and the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE. During this eight-day festival of lights, a special candelabrum, called a hanukiah, is used and a new candle is lit on…
Caitlin Burgess
11:11 am on Friday, December 30, 2011
The correct answer is Creativity. more ›