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Show Kwanzaa The African-American community celebrates Kwanzaa beginning on December 26 and ending on January 1. The candle holder (kinara) has seven holders, one for each day. On the last day there is a feast, music, dancing, gift giving and everyone drinks from the unity cup "Kikembe Cha Umojo." The candles are extinguished and the new year begins. KWANZAA CELEBRATION Kinara, wood, on loan from the Friends of Educational Services A kinara represents respect for African ancestors and is a candleholder for the seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) of Kwanzaa. The seven candles represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), Imani (faith). The black candle is used to light the others each day from left to right. The red candles signify blood, the green, hope and the black, Africans. Chinese New Year The Chinese New Year occurs on the 2nd moon after the solstice, usually mid-February, and is celebrated over several days. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, exchanging wishes for good health, luck and fortune. During the celebrations, lion dancers dance to the beat of a large drum. The last day of the new year celebratio:11 is highlighted with a parade. The dragon, a ~yµ;bol of goodness and strength, leads the pa~a~~:weaving its way among the children who follow after it carrying lanterns to light the way. CIDNESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Miniature Lion Mask, papier mache, cloth, on loan from the Friends of Educational Services Christmas Both Christmas and New Year's Day are celebrated throughout the European-American communities. Each country has special ways and events to celebrate these two holidays. In Germany, Christmas trees are decorated on Christmas Eve. In the Netherlands, the children receive gifts from St. Nicholas on December 6. Santa Claus visits homes in the United States during the night of December 24 to bring gifts. Sweden celebrates the festival of St. Lucia, the patron saint of light, by lighting candles, eating special baked buns, and singing carols. Many schools elect a pupil to be St. Lucia. She wears a long white dress and crown decorated with candles and greenery. In Eastern Europe, St. Nicholas, patron saint of children, fills the boots of children with treats during the night on Christmas Eve. CHRIS1MAS CELEBRATION Skiing Santa, wood, on loan from the Friends of Educational Services |
