Temperatures Drop, Christmas Buzz Fades, And DMV Art Collectors Celebrate Their Heritage

Serengeti Gallery Avails Kwanzaa Kits To Families Throughout Prince George’s County

Updated November, 2023

DUST OFF YOUR KINARA–
IT’S ABOUT TO GET LOFTY UP IN HERE!

Kwanzaa Is The ONLY Holiday Created For “Black Families”

Kwanzaa, The Black Christmas?

Nope. Kwanzaa was not created to compete with or even compare to seasonal religious celebrations.  After all, the word itself (Kwanzaa) translates to “first fruits”. 

Could this be why people across faiths, including non-religious individuals celebrate each year.  

The seven days of Kwanzaa are celebrated with gatherings, themes, and you guessed it–food!  The holiday revolves around our culture and community.

Don’t Miss Another Opportunity To Bask In Your Blackness

When you think about it, a kinara makes an excellent Christmas gift.

Even if you have your Kwanzaa supplies already, gift some to a loved
one.  Let’s keep this Kwanzaa party cranking!

KWANZAA SYMBOLS

If you are ready to celebrate, you are going to need some hardware.

Set a table with the seven symbols of Kwanzaa, namely:

Kinara (candle holder)
Mishumaa Saba (tapered candles – 7: 3 green, 3 red and 1 black)
Mkeka (straw mat)
Muhindi (corn)
Mazao (crops)
Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup)
Zawadi (gifts)

You wouldn’t put up a tree on Christmas morning. Similarly, it’s a best practice to get prepared for the Kwanzaa holiday well in advance.

Setting the Kwanzaa table sets the tone for the season, serves as a visual reminder, and equally important- it’s just plain beautiful.

So the moral of this story is: you don’t have to shop around for Kwanzaa supplies this year,  thanks to Obama.

Find Kwanzaa essentials at Serengeti Gallery: 7919 Central Ave., Capitol Heights, MD.
Please note:  We do not have vegetables—you’ll  have to go to the grocery store for those.

THE KWANZAA CHRONICLES: A MILLENNIAL’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE HOLY DAYS

Dear Kwanzaa, It’s Complicated

No work, no school, plus it’s cold outside? Baby, ’tis is the season to
Kwanzaa, and we celebrate it every year, starting the day after Christmas.

Quote: “…we transition into each new year with intention, and as a family”

When we were little, we rolled our eyes and made jokes about Kwanzaa. Now
that we’re older, honestly do the same thing.
It’s just that now it seems the joke is on us.

We eagerly look forward to these precious few holy days each year. 

We enjoy the heck out of our evening get-togethers around the mkeka.  And don’t even get me started on the Harambee chant!

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Kwanzaa Knowledge: Harambee translates from Kiswahili to mean “Pull Together”

With help from Kwanzaa and the nguzo saba, we transition into each new year with intention, and as a family.

Dare I Say It? Kwanzaa is a tried and true good time for the whole family.

Set The Table, Set The Tone

Top 3 Reasons To Set Your Table In Advance

 

“You wouldn’t put up a Christmas tree on Christmas morning…”

You wouldn’t put up a tree on Christmas morning. Similarly, it’s a best practice to get prepared for the Kwanzaa holiday well in advance.

Don’t allow Kwanzaa to get lost in the December shuffle.  The best advice we can offer is to set the table in advance.  Here are the top 3 reasons why:

#2:  Because It Sets A Tone

Kwanzaa décor adds context to the days leading up to the celebration.  Remember, as with many things in life, getting ready can be half of the fun.

#3: Because It Looks Good

Kwanzaa colors mesh well with other seasonal favorites.  Include the pan-African colors (Red, Black, Green) to your festivities for an unexpected flare.

#1: Because Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That

The first day of Kwanzaa is December 26th.  When that day comes, will you be ready to dig through boxes in search of your Kwanzaa supplies?  No. Set yourself up for an easy win by including Kwanzaa essentials in your seasonal décor.  When the time comes to celebrate, everything will be in place.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Try recreating one of the table setups pictured. Include your essentials, like the kinara, mkeka and chalice. Add a little razzle-dazzle with a small sculpture or figurine, a textile and a book worth reading.

“Setting the Kwanzaa table is like setting the tone for the season.  It serves as a visual reminder, and equally important- it’s just plain beautiful.”

Don’t Miss This Chance To Celebrate In 2022

Is it about time to make Kwanzaa yours?

Contact Serengeti Gallery To Learn More

Walk into our gallery at your convenience
Tuesday thru Saturday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

By Appointment Sunday thru Monday

Visit: 7919 Central Avenue. Capitol Heights 20743, MD, USA
Call: (301) 808-6987
Email: art@srngti.com