Counting The Days of Kwanzaa: Karamu The First Fruits Celebration

The sixth  principle of Kwanzaa: Kuumba: Creativity. 

Karamu "The First Fruits Celebration" is the celebration of the seven days of kwanzaa. This is when family, friends and neighbors sit down to the welcome table and share traditional dishes. The Kwanzaa holiday is rooted in the harvest celebrations of ancient African civilizations. African Americans are part of a global nation sharing many different traditions representing African, American, Caribbean and South American cultures giving us a unique perspective. The dishes prepared show the creativity and ingenuity of the people from the diaspora. This is a reminder that no matter where we go or how diverse we are our cultural heritage unites us. Sharing food, stories and history in our home and community is an important part of Kwanzaa. 

This is also the time to express gratitude for those who prepare and organize the welcome table and activities for Kwanzaa. There is always that one person whose home is always opened to everyone for holiday gatherings or that person who organizes community events every year. They are unsung heroes. Today we thank them and honor them for their service. They have kept alive our history and traditions.

For inspiration visit Kwanzaa Culinarians for stories and recipes that make Kwanzaa special. Sanura Weathers, the founder of the website has curated stories and recipes according to the The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa that are both creative and informative.