Umoja Day
Umoja Day of Kwanzaa
Umoja ( Unity) Principle. To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Explanation and Meaning. The Umoja principle instructs us to build and reinforce the ties- love, caring, and sharing that bind us together as family and community.
Ingathering. On Umoja day, the family comes together to renew and reinforce the bonds of love, caring, and sharing, i.e., unity. The tone, discussion, and activities center around the building and strengthening of family bonds as parents to children and children to parents, as well as siblings to siblings.
Giving Thanks and Remembrance. On Umoja Day, the family expresses appreciation for the blessing the family has received through their work and achievement and the support the family and individual members have received from others. This is also a time to remember and give thanks to family members and generations of African Americans whose work, struggle, and achievement have made it possible for Black people to live with greater freedom and possibilities.
Family Discussion. One of the activities that occur during the first day of Kwanzaa is discussing the meaning of the seven Kwanzaa symbols- mat, candleholder, the basket of fruit, ears of corn, Unity Cup, *Gifts, Seven Candles. Here the family many discussed the contributions of past and present family members and the history of African Americans. Discussion of the Kwanzaa symbols is instructive for children and parents.
Candle Lighting Ceremony. On the first day of Kwanzaa, the family lights the black or Umoja candle, which corresponds to Umoja Day. The lighting of the black candle also instructs that everyone in the family must strive for unity among black people, beginning in the family and then extending outward. This unity is not in opposition to others but rather strengthening moral and social bonds of family and community.
Kwanzaa Commitment. During the candling lighting ceremony, each family member pledges to do all they can in the way they can to build and reinforce unity in the family and community.
Kwanzaa Feast. The family enjoys a special holiday meal of their choice. There is no set or mandated meal for Kwanzaa. Enjoy your meal.
Kwanzaa Reinforcing Activity. On Umoja Day, the family organizes or thinks of an activity that highlights and reinforces unity- build and strengthening family and community bonds.