Christmas Celebration Among the African Americans

Christmas is one of the most important holidays among the people all over the world. The African Americans are also no exception. Christmas in African America is celebrated with great pomp and show. During this time of the year, people indulge themselves in lots of fun and merry-making. As part of Christmas in African America, people exchange gifts with their near and dear ones, organize family get-together, eat lots of Christmas dishes, light candles of different colors, and take part in different types of fun-filled activities. So if you are planning to visit this place during Christmas, then just have a quick look at how Christmas is celebrated in African America.

An Overview of Christmas Celebration in African America

In African America, the holiday begins from 26th December with Kwanzaa which is regarded as a ritual during the time of harvest. This holiday usually continues for a week and during this time of the year, people spend some quality time with their near and dear ones.

Christmas Decorations: As part of Christmas in African America, people decorate their houses beautifully with different types of Christmas ornaments. Since black, green and red are regarded as the colors of Christmas, people make use of paper ornaments made of these colors for decorating their homes. In addition, they also use ornaments made of Kwanzaa Bush for decorating their houses.

Tradition of Lighting Seven Candles: People light green, red and black candles in order to symbolize the seven values pertaining to the family life of the African Americans. These seven values include Faith, Cooperative Economics, Self-determination, Purpose, Collective work and responsibility, Unity and Creativity.

One candle is lit up on each night in order to symbolize the seven basic values mentioned above. A unity cup is placed on the ceremonial table and everyone drinks from this cup.

The black candle is lit on the first night by the children present in the family. This black candle is treated as a symbol of Unity. On the second night, some other member of the family light the red candle to symbolize Self Determination. In this way, seven candles are lit by the family members on seven nights in order to signify the corresponding values of family life.

The Tradition of Giving Gifts: Traditionally, children receive gifts on December 31st and these gifts include items like books and heritage symbols like an African artifact.

The entire celebration which lasts for seven days ends up with a lavish feast which comprises different types of African American food items along with some wonderful music. After completing their food, everyone stands up in order commit themselves to the seven basic principles pertaining to Kwanzaa and wishes everyone a wonderful life in the year to come.