The weeklong African-American celebration of Kwanzaa, which began on Friday, is about culture, community and family, Derrick Burch says. And sharing the feast is a big part of that celebration.

For Kwanzaa, the main elements are: Mkeka: MatThe Mkeka is the base of your Kwanzaa table. The foundation. Historically, it is a raffia or straw woven mat with an earthy vibe.

A traditional Kwanzaa table incorporates several key symbols all with Swahili names: Mkeka: This interwoven mat represents the foundation upon which we build our families and our communities.

The Mkeka or the Kwanzaa mat is a traditional straw or woven textile mat which is the foundation of the Kwanzaa symbol table. The mat would go under the, Kinara, Kikombe cha Umoja, Mazao and Manhindi.

With Kwanzaa right around the corner, you might be on the lookout for the best items to celebrate the holiday this year, and you’re not alone.

Kwanzaa culminates with a feast that is full of rituals meant to reinforce familial bonds. For example, family members are asked to each drink from a shared cup—the Kikombe cha Umoja.

Many of us have heard of Kwanzaa, and some of us have referred to it as the ‘Black Christmas,’ but […] The post How to celebrate Kwanzaa and our African roots appeared first on TheGrio.

What you need for celebrating Kwanzaa With Kwanzaa right around the corner, you might be on the lookout for the best items to celebrate the holiday this year, and you’re not alone.