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Kwanzaa: A Time To Celebrate
Blending fun together with the basic principles of the holiday can emphasize and teach the meaning of the event in an enjoyable manner. When planning a party for Kwanzaa, set the tone of the event with the invitations and decorations. You should have no difficulty finding printed invitations in just about any party-related or card store; but you can also design and print your own to add a special touch. Both the invitations and the decorations should demonstrate the three dominant colors of the Kwanzaa theme: black, red and green. Streamers, balloons, African maps, the Kwanzaa flag, African prints and objects of art can all be used to heighten the atmosphere. The focal point of the party room decorations should of course be the mkeka, the straw mat upon which the seven symbols of the Kwanzaa holiday are to be displayed. The purpose of a party and the concept of the holiday of Kwanzaa are the same; to gather friends and family together in a celebration. Finding activities that engage all guests attending the party are ideal. This activity can begin as people arrive, by requesting everyone to bring a picture of their family unit taken in that year which, when combined with the others, combine to form a mosaic wall art that can be renewed every year, demonstrating the growth of the group. Hold a Kwanzaa "talent show" in which each guest can share their talent with everyone, demonstrating their personal growth. Craft making can be another activity where all guests can participate; carving figures, making jewelry with African beads or creating meaningful posters that exhibit the Kwanzaa themes, expressing the Creativity principle. Games always generate good will, laughter and fun, and can include every member of the group regardless of age. Several traditional games have been developed that are fun and require the participants to work as teams; demonstrating the "unity" theme. Mamba is a game for any age, although children in particular will enjoy it. Marking off an area, a group of people collect within the “pen” with one chosen to be the Mamba. Confined to the "pen", group members will be sought after by the Mamba, and when caught, must become part of him by holding on to his waist, forming a snake. Only the Mamba is allowed to capture victims, with those already caught trailing along behind him. The game is over when all victims have become part of the Mamba. Another popular Kwanzaa game is Earth, Air, Wind and Fire, best played with a large group. Sitting in a circle, a tennis ball is tossed from player to player, with the thrower calling out one of the elements, "earth, air, wind or fire". The catcher of the ball has 10 seconds to name an animal of the element, except for "fire" when the catcher must remain silent. For earth, an animal of the ground is named; air, one that flies; and water, a marine animal is named. There can be no repeats of animals already called. If no animal is named, or one is repeated, that player leaves the game. The game continues until only one player is left. Food is an important part of any party. For Kwanzaa, meals usually feature African or Caribbean foods such as jerk meats, roasts and vegetable side dishes that may include sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and okra. Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate, and what better way than with a party? Featuring activities, games, party favors, African themes and foods, a Kwanzaa party will serve to demonstrate in an entertaining way all seven principles of Kwanzaa within your group of family and friends. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com S Canfield, owner of Accent the Party selling many different types and themes of unique party favors. |
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