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DCL
Kuumba.
It's the Swahili word for "creativity," and the principle celebrated on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. It is the trait that every green-minded citizen has in abundance. Greening our lives requires creativity. We look at things in new ways, and decide that things don't need to stay the same just because "that's the way it's always been done." This includes our celebrations. With the principle of Kuumba in mind, here are some ideas for greening your Kwanzaa celebrations.
7 Ideas to Green Your Kwanzaa
1. This is a good time to make your own decorations, or look for vintage items. The placemats at the table, called mkeka, can be made with woven straw or other natural materials. Fabric with traditional African motifs can be used as tablecloths or napkins.
2. The kinara, which holds the seven candles, is another way to go green. If you don't already have a kinara, don't go out and buy some mass-produced one. You can make your own out of wood, logs, or even reused glass bottles. Again, be creative.
3. Don't forget the candles for the kinara. Rather than using paraffin, which is bad for indoor air quality, use beeswax or soy. Make your own candles, or look for handmade candles. Etsy is excellent for this.
4. The feasts of Kwanzaa focus on celebrating fresh food. This is a great time to look for locally, organically grown fruits and vegetables.
5. The zawadi, or gifts, are a perfect way to green the holiday. Consider making meaningful items for your friends and family. If you're not the crafty type, shop locally for handmade, one of a kind items.
6. If you don't already have a unity cup, which is used to share libations during Kwanzaa, look for something in your family that is already meaningful to you rather than going out and buying something new. Perhaps your grandmother still has a champagne glass from her wedding, or your mother has a set of glassware that you and your siblings always wanted to drink out of as children. Use one of those, and the celebration will be even more meaningful.
7. Focus on the meaning of the celebration. Kwanzaa is about celebrating African heritage as well as the principles that we can each embrace to be good members of our community. Nowhere does anything say that we have to go crazy buying decorations and gifts. Family and history. That's what's important here. Kwanzaa is a beautiful holiday, one that is only augmented by our efforts to go green and eschew materialism. How do you go green during Kwanzaa? Video: What's Your New Holiday Tradition?
