10 tips for hosting an authentic Kwanzaa party

Kwanzaa is a time of rejoicing and instilling hope for the future. Try these 10 tips to make this year's Kwanzaa a bit more authentic with food and activities tied to traditional African celebrations.

Kwanzaa celebrations first began in 1966 to celebrate the harvests, and the name actually means "first fruits". The holiday is not based on religion, but rather on seven guiding principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative effort, purpose, creativity, and faith.

The traditional colours of Kwanzaa include black, red, and green, which represent the people, the struggle, and the future. Use this colour palette to adorn the home for the coming celebration.

The traditional "Kinara" is a special candle-holder that represents the roots of African culture. This typically holds seven tapers in the customary colours of red and green, which represent the seven days of the holiday.

Make the outside of the home as festive as the interior. Corn holds a special significance during Kwanzaa, and ears of corn, or "Vibunzi," are used to decorate. Place corn on the door to welcome guests, or create corn husk accents.

Sweet potatoes, collard greens with bacon, and black-eyed peas are definite menu "musts" for Kwanzaa.

During the Kwanzaa celebration, gifts are given to enhance and strengthen relationships. Typically, they're handmade which makes them even more meaningful.

A great activity to keep younger guests busy involves creating distinctive Kwanzaa necklaces from pasta. They're easy and fun to make using dried ziti noodles, paint, and cording to string the pasta "beads" on.

An authentic way to decorate for Kwanzaa includes the traditional mat, called a "Mkeka," which is covered with fruits, vegetables, and nuts, creating a "mazao." The mazao is often used on the table but might be echoed in the displays throughout your home during the holiday.

"Kalah" is a customary game played during Kwanzaa and is similar to the game "Mancala," which is found in many conventional retail venues and game stores. You can create your own, authentic-looking game using an egg carton and seeds. Play in pairs and eliminate individuals until a winner is chosen.

Traditional Kwanzaa celebrations include a large meal accompanied by music, dancing, stories, drumming, and exchanging gifts. The event is a happy, optimistic one fuelled by hopes for the future, or for the coming harvest per tradition. Use this to guide your own holiday traditions in your own celebrations.