Kwanzaa is over for the 2006-07 year and for most blacks that celebrate it, that is it. For others, Kwanzaa will be like a religion as they try to practice its principles on a daily basis. Why? Because they have been led to believe that Kwanzaa will make them a better person.
Judging from the postings that I used as examples within this blog, one can see the different reasons and purposes that many celebrate Kwanzaa:
". . . for the unity of the black family"
". . .reaffirms our need to always know ourselves in our uniqueness and specialness as persons and as a people"
" . . .parents, grandparents, siblings — representations of spirits that, while long gone, will always serve as guides in the struggle to maintain responsibility, respect and charity in one's life"
The seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Nguzo Saba, are in fact not only a moral code of living, but is expressed as a way of life. For the Christian who practices Kwanzaa (of which there are many), that poses a dilemma. Are you having a changed life because of Kwanzaa or because of the principles found in the bible? Some will excuse the principles of Kwanzaa by merely saying that the principles are biblical principles. Another dilemma for the Christian is why is Kwanzaa even necessary. To know one's heritage is the primary reason.
Why is it important to know one's heritage? For many blacks, not knowing one's heritage is equivalent to blaspheming God. Because the culture of the black individual is equivalent to having religion, many will be frowned upon if they don't know and/or honor their heritage and ancestors.
Some questions for the Kwanzaa celebrant:
- Is Kwanzaa necessary to celebrate?
- If so, why? If not, then is it necessary to know "our black history?" If so, then why?
- If one's answer is "to know ourselves better" or "to unite the black family" then what would one think of the black individual who chooses not to "honor" their ancestors?
- Are there other ways of uniting a family that don't involve "race?"
- Is Kwanzaa a spiritual celebration?
The answers to these questions would be quite revealing. Is it possible to have true unity without Christ? Can one have a spiritual celebration without Christ as the centerpiece? How far will one go to spiritualize Kwanzaa without considering it "religious?"
Just something to think about while one thinks about Kwanzaa for the coming new year.
