ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 20, 1995 TAG: 9512200028
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 10 EDITION: METRO
Kwanzaa (KWAHN-zah), created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Kerenga, is not a religious, political or heroic holiday. Rather, it is a celebration of culture, community and family, creating a link with African peoples and traditions. The word Kwanzaa is derived from a Swahili word meaning ``first'' or ``first fruits of the harvest.''
As part of the celebration, certain symbolic elements are traditionally set upon a table: Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh): fruits and vegetables, which stand for the product of unified effort; Mkeka (mm-KEH-kah): a straw placemat, which represents the reverence for tradition; Vibunzi (vi-BUN-zi): an ear of corn for each child in the family; Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee): simple gifts, preferably related to education or to things African or African-influenced; Kikombe cha umoja (kee-KOM-beh-cha oo-MOH-jah): a communal cup for the libation; and a Kinara (kee-NAH-rah): a seven-branched candleholder, which symbolizes the continent and peoples of Africa.
The week-long holiday - Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 - celebrates on each of seven days one of seven principles: Umoja (oo-MOH-JAH) unity; Kujichagulia (koo-ji-chah-good-LEE-ah) self-determination; Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) collective work and responsibility; Ujamma (oo-jah-MAH) cooperative economics; Nia (NEE-ah) purpose; Kuumba (koo-OO-mbah) creativity ; and Imani (ee-MAH-nee) faith.
The daily ritual begins with the lighting of one of the seven Kwanzaa candles by a family member and a discussion of the principle the candle represents.
Kwanzaa shares with other holidays the communal spirit and a cornucopia of food. The holiday culminates with a feast or karamu (kah-RAH-moo) on Dec. 31. During the seven days preceding the feast, the menu may include foodstuffs native to Africa - peanuts, okra, yams, black-eyed peas and rice.
The feast can be planned as a potluck with each family member or guest bringing a favorite dish, and the karamu menu can include favorite recipes and traditional foods from Africa, the Caribbean, the U.S. and South America, representing lands where African peoples have lived.
Pork, rice and peanuts link African peoples in many countries via common ingredients and preparation methods. Through food, creativity and mother wit, African-American cooks were able to survive in new lands, pairing cultural traditions with unfamiliar experiences, creating cultural observances. Observance of Kwanzaa celebrates this cultural creativity.
Peanuts, popular in America, are known as ground-nuts in Africa. Originally transported to this country as victuals for slaves, the peanut was cultivated in the South as an alternative crop for cotton. Peanuts are a good source of protein, B-vitamins and folic acid. The following Spicy Peanut-Rice Soup combines roasted nut flavor and rice for a spicy dish reminiscent of West African cuisine. The Peanut Party Biscuits link African and Southern heritages.
The Jerk Pork Bites feature fresh pork and Caribbean flavors enhanced by spices native to many of the tropical islands. Though pork has long been part of the African-American diet, it was most often smoked and cooked with vegetables to provide flavor and a small portion of meat when most African-Americans could not afford fresh pork cuts.
Hoppin' John - good as either a side dish or entree - is traditionally served for the new year. According to myth, eating this dish of rice and peas on New Year's day will bring good luck throughout the year.
Round out the menu with turnip, collard and/or mustard greens served with vinegar and hot sauce to taste. Provide the perfect sweet touch with a regal sweet potato Bundt Cake Royale.
For more ideas for Kwanzaa celebrations, send a post card with your name and address to: Kwanzaa, c/o NPPC, P.O. Box 10383, Des Moines, Iowa 50306.
recipes for:
SPICY PEANUT-RICE SOUP
HOPPIN' JOHN
PEANUT PARTY BISCUITS
JERK PORK BITES
BUNDT CAKE ROYALE
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: An array of Kwanzaa foods makes a beautiful centerpieceby CNBto a holiday meal. color.