| Wednesday, December 21, 2005 |
| Kwanzaa |
Who in the blue blazes celebrates Kwanzaa? Nobody I know and nobody you know. Why? Because it's completely made up! A guy by the name of Dr. Maulana Karenga "founded" it in 1966. I imagine he took a long toke on a water pipe, paused dramatically, nodded knowingly and then announced ... "Kwanzaa".
Apparently, Kwanzaa is based on the African Nguzo Saba (or seven guiding principles) which include sexual promiscuity, civil war, socialism and ... I had trouble translating the last one, but it looks like Nigerian chain letters.
Celebrating Kwanzaa involves the use of several items. One of the items is a kinara, or candle holder, and is not to be confused with menorah. I found this on a website: "The Kinara holds seven candles to reflect the seven principles which are the foundation of Kwanzaa. If you don't have a Kinara and don't know where to get one, it is suggested that you use 'kuumba' (creativity) and make one. A 2x4 or a piece of driftwood will do just fine, and screw-in candle holders can be purchased in most hardware stores." Come on! Why can't you just run down to Walgreens and buy one?! Because Kwanzaa is a completely made up holiday!
The Kwanzaa feast is "traditionally" held on December 31. (Is a 39-year old holiday a "tradition"?) Dr. Karenga recommended a format for the year-end celebration. The next-to-last activity of the festival is Tamshi la Tambiko, or Libation Statement. Celebrants are encouraged to pour libation in remembrance of ancestors on this "special occasion". Again, I envision that after Dr. Karenga thought of Kwanzaa he then lifted a forty-ounce (or just "forty") took a sip and poured some on the floor and said, "One sip for me and some for my homies."
Kwanzaa? Give me a break!
Merry Christmas, Fool! |
posted by Joe Napalm @ 9:08 AM   |
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| 1 Comments: |
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I guess I will be returning the kinara kit I bought you at Home Depot....gee wiz man. You are one tough dude to shop for for Kwanzaa!
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I guess I will be returning the kinara kit I bought you at Home Depot....gee wiz man. You are one tough dude to shop for for Kwanzaa!