THE FESTIVAL OF KWANZAA BEGINS TODAY...

During the Season(s) of Giving we go on each day anticipating the holiday we celebrate and don't realize all of the celebrations and traditions in each culture that takes place here in the United States alone. Even Christmas is celebrated differently if following the Western Calendar, the Eastern Calendar, the Liturgical Calendar and any other calendar that wasn't mentioned and can become so overwhelming at times. But now as we begin the celebration of The Twelve Days of Christmas another celebration that takes place here in the United States and compared to all other centuries old celebrations - this celebration is new to our standards and has been in existence for only 43 years. . .the Festival of Kwanzaa - Learn. Understand. Only then will we be able to live side by side in PEACE!

The Festival of Kwanzaa

(the information in this writing was taken from the website www.holidays.net/kwanzaa.htm)

Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their history. It is a time of celebration, community gathering, and reflection. It is a time of endings and beginnings. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th, the day after Christmas, and continues until New Years Day, January 1st.

What most don’t understand is that the holiday of Kwanzaa is 43 years old and was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. It was during the period in US history when African Americans were involved in struggles for their most deserved civil rights. This was the period of Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights movement, and Black Power.

Dr. Karenga wanted to create a holiday that would bring African Americans together in celebration of their black culture which was lost due to their ancestors being enslaved and then because of assimilation into society. He was inspired by the "first fruit" or harvest festivals that were celebrated throughout Africa.

In fact the name he gave to the holiday, "Kwanzaa," comes from the Kiswahili or Swahili phrase for "first fruit" - matunda ya kwanza. Also, most don’t know that Kiswahili, or Swahili, is the largest spoken language on the African continent and thus the language of Kwanzaa. When Dr. Karenga chose the word "kwanza" for the name of his festival he added the extra "a" at the end to give the word greater significance.

Dr. Karenga used these first fruit festivals as his model for Kwanzaa because they shared characteristics which he felt were important. These characteristics were:

1. The people gathered together to celebrate their crops and harvest
2. The people would give thanks to their Creator for a good harvest and life.
3. They would remember and celebrate their ancestors and the past.
4. They allowed the people to recommit themselves to their community.
5. They celebrated their history, culture, Creator, and the promise of the next year.

It was these characteristics that inspired Dr. Karenga when he developed the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, of Kwanzaa. (Nguzo Saba is Kiswahili for "Seven Principles") These principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These are the foundation of Kwanzaa.

The dates of the celebration, December 26 - January 1, were chosen to correspond to the end of the year celebrations in America. Kwanzaa begins the day after Christmas. It is to bypass the commercial buying period but to take advantage of the seasonal holiday spirit.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

The foundation of Kwanzaa are the Seven Principles, or Nguzo Saba. When Dr. Karenga created the celebration of Kwanzaa he wanted to reflect the best qualities and characteristics of the "first fruit" or harvest festivals that were celebrated throughout Africa. It was these qualities that established the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. (Nguzo Saba is Kiswahili for Seven Principles).

The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa are:

• Umoja (oo-MOH-jah): Unity
Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race.

• Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah): Self-Determination
To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny.

• Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective Work and Responsibility
To build and maintain your community together.

To work together to help one another within your community.

• Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH): Collective Economics
To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses.

• Nia (NEE-ah): Purpose
To restore African American people to their traditional greatness. To be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants).

• Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity
Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.

• Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith
Believing in our people, our families, our educators, our leaders, and

the righteousness of the African American struggle.

Seven Days of Kwanzaa Celebration

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa represents a different Principle of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles). When a new candle is lit each day it represents one of these principles. Each evening a family member is given the honor of lighting the candles; usually to the youngest child , some to the eldest family member. Others might have a different family member lighting the candles each night. The candles are placed in a special candleholder (kinara) and those who light the candles discusses one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. On the sixth day, which falls on New Years Eve, family and friends get together to enjoy a large feast and to celebrate their history, culture, and the upcoming New Year.

The First Day of Kwanzaa (December 26)

On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit in the Kinara. The black candle represents the First Principle of Kwanzaa - Umoja (oo-MOH-jah): Unity. The person who lights the candle might make a statement about the first principle and its meaning. Sometimes a passage or poem is read relating to what the principle means and how it relates to their life.

Then the Umoja (Unity Cup) might be filled with fruit juice and shared among those gathered. Each takes a drink and passes to the next. Some families prefer to use a Unity cup for each member, or the cup can just be left in the center of the Kwanzaa table.

After the sharing of the Unity cup the candles are extinguished till the next day.

The Second Day of Kwanzaa (December 27)

On the second day the black candle is again lit, as well as the farthest red candle on the left. This represents the Second Principle of Kwanzaa which is Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah): Self-determination. A statement about the Second Principle and its meaning is made. Or possibly a passage or poem is spoken or read which relates to what the principle means and how it relates to their life. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.


The Third Day of Kwanzaa (December 28)

On the third day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, and then the farthest right green candle. This represents the Third Principle of Kwanzaa - Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective work and responsibility. The Third Principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.

The Fourth Day of Kwanzaa (December 29)

On the fourth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green. And then the next red candle on the left. This represents the Fourth Principle of Kwanzaa - Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH): Collective economics. The Fourth Principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.

The Fifth Day of Kwanzaa (December 30)

On the fifth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red and then the next green candle. This represents the Fifth Principle of Kwanzaa - Nia (NEE-ah): Purpose. The Fifth Principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and the candles are extinguished.

The Sixth Day of Kwanzaa (December 31)

On the sixth day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red, the next green and then the final red candle. This represents the Sixth Principle of Kwanzaa – Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity. The sixth day, which occurs on New Years Eve, is a special day. This is the day of the Kwanzaa Karamu or Kwanzaa Feast. In the spirit of celebration many families invite their friends and family to join in the festivities.

On this special day we remember our ancestors when the Unity cup is shared. After everyone has taken a drink the candles are extinguished.

But before the Karamu is over, the eldest member of those present will read the Tamshi La Tutaonana (TAM-shi la Tu-ta-u-NA-na). The Tamshi La Tutaonana was written by Dr. Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa, as a farewell statement to the feast and the year.

Everyone stands as the elder reads:

Strive for discipline, dedication, and achievement in all you do.

Dare struggle and sacrifice and gain the strength that comes from this.

Build where you are and dare leave a legacy that will last

as long as the sun shines and the water flows.

Practice daily Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani.

May the wisdom of the ancestors always walk with us.

May the year's end meet us laughing, and stronger.

May our children honor us by following our example in love and struggle.

At the end of next year, may we sit together again, in larger numbers, with greater achievement and closer to liberation and a higher level of life.

Then the elder leads the guests in the Harambee (ha-RAM-bee) salute. Each person raises their right fist about as high as their shoulder, then pulls down forcefully until the elbow is next to next to their torso, saying "Harambee!" This is done seven times in unison. This concludes the Karamu celebration.

The Seventh Day of Kwanzaa (January 1)

On the seventh day the black candle is lit, then the farthest left red, the farthest right green, the next red candle, the next green, the final red and then the final green candle. This represents the Seventh Principle of Kwanzaa – imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith. The Seventh Principle is discussed. The family shares the Unity cup and all seven candles are extinguished. Kwanzaa is over.

The Festival of Kwanzaa, a new celebration in comparison to the centuries old celebrations, celebrates community and unity - faith, self-determination, and creativity all encompassing of what each of our holidays celebrates.

Isn't a wonderful place to live, the United States of America? We can experience it all! When each of us finally throws caution to the wind and instead of tolerating others beliefs, customs and traditions we actually learn and understand them will be the time we will live side by side in PEACE.

HAPPY KWANZAA! Wishing Everyone Peace, Harmony & Tranquility...

CHRISTMAS

Main Entry: Christ·mas
Pronunciation: \ˈkris-məs\
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English - Christemasse;

from Old English - Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass
Date: before 12th century

The Christmas Story

Long ago, about 2000 years, King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel.) God sent Archangel Gabriel to a young women who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. Her name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

Archangel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was frightened. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' She replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see her. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph, learning that Mary was with child was deciding not marry her; however, while Joseph slept an angel appeared in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Savior' because he would save people. Joseph accepted Mary as his wife.

At this time, where Mary and Joseph lived, it was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted the names of the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a census. Since Joseph’s family was from Bethlehem, he and Mary had to return to Bethlehem, traveling about 70 miles from Nazareth. Mary's baby was due to be born soon, so they traveled by donkey, they being fortunate ones to be able to.

Upon arriving in Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay because many people had come to register their names in the census. Every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the inns. The only shelter found was a stable or cave with the animals. In this poor place Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes.' Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds being frightened heard the angel say, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Savior was born. You will find the baby lying in a manger.' Many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' The shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Savior.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. The Wise Men in faraway countries who navigated their travels by studying the stars saw the star which confirmed what they learned - a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

Different Schools of Thought: There are three different schools of thought about the birth of Jesus. Was Jesus really born on December 25th or was he born March 25th, in the Spring (Spring Solstice is March 21st); or was the December 25th date in line with the Roman pagan tradition of celebrating the New Year or Re-birth – the Winter Solstice?

Accordingly, there is a celebration on March 25th called the Annunciation - the announcement by Angel Gabriel to Mary that she was with child and she was to give birth to the Savior. At this time, it is believed that conception had taken place known as the “Virginal Conception.” This should not be confused with the “Immaculate Conception.” Even though Mary’s parents conceived her in the conventional manner, Mary’s soul was immaculate, so pure and without original sin.

Today, many believe that life begins in the womb at the time of conception and that the celebration of birth is at that time, hence Jesus was born on March 25th, the Spring. But if you believe that birth is at the time the child is physically removed from the womb, then Jesus was born nine months later on December 25th. And we must not forget the Roman pagan celebration of the Winter solstice or the New Year/re-birth. Interesting? Wouldn't you say so?

Miracles: Even though there is a controversy as to the December 25th date, it doesn’t matter. The meaning behind it is what is important - giving of oneself, caring about others, loving not hating, understanding and having tolerance towards other’s beliefs, living in peace and harmoniously with each other. Miracles do happen, no matter how small or how big every day of our lives.

Each of us has experienced miracles throughout our lives. One I can speak of just happened recently.

A young service man was trying to get home for Christmas. Where he was stationed the weather was perfect; however, where he was to arrive the weather was dangerous, (the winter storm Albert was ravaging the east coast and northeast.) When he arrived at the airport in North Carolina to switch planes, he found his flight cancelled. He was upset to say the least. The flight crew that was to fly his plane was stranded in Philadelphia for two days because of the storm. He was trying for hours to find what can be done, even thought of renting a car to drive home – in the storm. However, as he was waiting contemplating on what to do, a woman had come up to him and had given him a gift card thanking him for his service to our country and for what he is doing. He found a woman who was on his flight to North Carolina standing by a reservation desk. They spoke. It was a small miracle - a flight was available for them to come directly to Connecticut instead of their destination to White Plains. The small miracles continued - the woman had him move ahead of her. And before he knew it, word had spread through the line, moving him forward to the front so he was the first to board the plane! When he boarded the plane, he found a fellow serviceman and they sat together. The flight attendant had come to them and asked them to follow her. She placed them in First Class! He arrived around 2:00 a.m., on the 21st of December.

It is a story of how miracles that are so small we don’t realize that they even happened. We think we went with the flow or how nice those people are to us. But isn’t that what the Christmas Season is all about? Heck, the Season’s of Giving is all about; not the brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. It's about the gifts we give out of the goodness of our hearts – the woman gave the service man a gift card thanking him for his service – the woman let him ahead of her in line – word spreading in the line and each person allowed him to go ahead and finally, the flight attendant sitting him in first class. The true miracle in this story was the flight that became available for him to come home directly to Connecticut.

May everyone realize the small miracles, and large ones too, each and everyday because if you do, you will experience Christmas and the Season’s of Giving every moment of every day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! PEACE and BLESSINGS to everyone during the most wonderful time of the year!

LET EVERYONE KNOW...

...DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER

OVER THE WEEKEND

DO COME AND VISIT!!

YOU WILL FIND THAT PARTICULAR GIFT FOR

YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER MAKING HIM/HER VERY HAPPY!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

DO VISIT US. . .

Chanukah Tradition

Chanukah will begin at sunset on Friday, December 11th and will continue until Saturday, December 19th.

As we approach this wondrous holiday, we have knowledge of how the miracle of the oil in the flask that was enough to burn for one day actually burned for eight days. We also know that the lighting of a candle each night for eight days is in homage, commemorating the eight day miracle and each night gifts are exchanged between family and friends as well.

But there is more to this history than we know. It actually was more of survival over the ever present dangers during the time defining the miraculous event.

First we must learn that Chanukah in Hebrew means "dedication."

The holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' 165 BCE victory over the Hellenist Syrians. History states that Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria had outlawed Jewish rituals, ordering them to worship Greek gods.

In 168 BCE, the Syrians had taken control over the Holy Temple and transformed it, dedicating it to the Greek god, Zeus. And as in any civil action as this, there were some who were afraid of the soldiers and abided by what was being done, but yet there were those who were angered that their right to worship who they knew as their G-d was being manipulated as well as being bullied into worshipping a pagan god or an idol, had decided to fight back.

It all began in a village not from Jerusalem known as Modiin. A Greek officer and his soldiers had assembled the villagers 'asking' them to bow to an idol or false god and eat the flesh of a pig, knowing it was against their beliefs. Knowing the demeaning acts were forbidden by Jewish Law, he asked the high priest Mattathias to take part in the ceremony. Mattathias had refused. Because of his refusal another villager stepped forward to comply, hoping to avoid any violence he knew would take place.

Mattathias had become outraged by what was taking place, had drawn his sword killing the man and then killed the Greek officer. This act had started the events to unravel. Mattathias, his five sons and the villagers followed through by killing the remaining soldiers. He then went into hiding in the nearby mountains. Other Jews who had agreed with Mattathias' reasoning joined him and his family. They attacked Greek soldiers whenever possible.

As this took place the Holy Temple had become vandalized. Judah Maccabee and his soldiers had arrived at the Holy Temple and were saddened by the events that had taken place and to see the destruction and items that were missing or broken, which included the golden menorah. They knew they had to restore the Holy Temple as best as they could. So they cleaned and repaired it and decided that a dedication ceremony should be done.

They had wanted to light the menorah as part of the celebration and looked for the oil. Unfortunately, they were only able to find one small flask of oil that would last only one day. But to their amazement, the oil burned miraculously for eight days, long enough for them to obtain more oil to keep the menorah lit.

That celebration is done today. Chanukah or "dedication" is celebrated for eight days, lighting a candle each night for the eight days in homage, commemorating the eight day miracle. Each night gifts are exchanged between family and friends representing the gift of giving the burning "oil" had done for the eight days that were needed to obtain more pure oil to keep the flames burning.

A wonderful event in history during a time of religious oppression and conformity. But many of us do not understand the Jewish laws and traditions. And to have a better understanding is to learn.

The Menorah: In Israel the Chanukah menorah is called the Hanukiyah. They come in all shapes and sizes. The only requirement is that the flames are separated enough so that the not look too big and resemble a pagan bonfire. Also, if one is not made of clay as the original, then many of the menorah(s) that are purchased today can only be used once and cannot be continually used throughout the eight day holiday.

Ancient menorahs were made of clay, consisting of small pearl shaped vessels, each with its own wick, which were arranged side by side. Today's menorah, which stands on a base with branches sprouting out, resembles the Holy Temple's menorah and began to appear towards the end of the Middle Ages.


The Chanukah Dreidel: In Israel the dreidel is called "sivivon." The Yiddish term "dreidel" is derived from the German word "drehen" which means "turn." The dreidel game was popular during the rule of Antiochus before the Maccabees' revolt. It was a time when soldiers executed any Jews who were caught practicing their religion. When pious Jews met to study the Tora, they had the top ready just in case they heard the soldiers coming. If they saw the soldiers they would hide the scriptures and pretend they were playing with the dreidel.


Sugar Plums and Other Delights: Since the main theme in Chanukah is the use of "oil." In cooking the dishes for the holiday, "vegetable oil" is mainly used. The Maccabees soldiers had eaten latkes made of cheese, vegetables or fruits which were brought to them on the battle fields. They didn't eat potato latkes because potatoes were not available until the 16th century. From then on, latkes were made of potato mixed with eggs, onions, and flour and then fried in vegetable oil. The potato pancake is still made today. The texture is crispy on the outside and tender within and is served with applesauce and sour cream as sides.

Another delight is the Sufganiyot or the Chanukah Jelly Doughnut. It is a jelly doughnut without the hole. Remembering the "oil" theme, when the doughnuts are made they are dropped into the hot oil with no shape. A different shape is formed with each doughnut as it cooks, creating funny, odd shapes and then are covered in sugar or cinnamon and are sold on stands on the streets in Israel a month before the Chanukah celebration begins.

Now we know how a miracle so small can represent something absolutely monumental. A miracle that changed the world at the time. A battle was won, not just from a physical overthrow of place and people but from a spiritual and religious oppression. The burning of the oil for the eight days showed how faith and belief truly can make a difference!

Enjoy this celebration of the small miracle! for its effect has an impact on all of us as it continues to reverberate down in history whether we realize or not.

Let us, during this time, remember our own small miracles that had changed our lives and the lives of others. Because, again, as we get in our habitual groove we don't realize how the outcome of such miracles, the 'giving', has had an impact at that one moment in time. Look back, see the changes that had taken place, for at times we must take a few steps back in order to take one or two steps forward.

May Peace be bestowed on everyone not just during the Season(s) of Giving but throughout the years to come!

HAPPY CHANUKAH!!!!

(Some information for this piece was obtained from http://www.history.com/content/hanukkah)

Don't We All Have Sugar Plums Dancing In Our Heads During The Seasons of Giving?

SoBoBo knows:

“…As we lay asleep all snug in our beds,

We have visions of sugar plums

dancing in our heads…”

No matter what race, religion or ethnicity we are, at the times our traditions and beliefs are being celebrated during the Seasons of Giving we all have visions of what we hope to receive as gifts. It doesn’t matter how old we are…a sugar plum for a couple could mean a diamond ring for their engagement…a sugar plum for Dad could be the jig saw he has been eyeing at the hardware store…a sugar plum a child is wishing for is the new bicycle without training wheels…or even a sugar plum for someone could actually be a sugar plum to enjoy the sweetness of the holiday season…

So, when we think of how to satisfy others’ sugar plum cravings during this holiday season make sure to stop at SoBoBo Art Gallery where unique meets sublime and choose from the array of art created by local artists and artisans. You will find paintings by Matt Roe, Frieda Howling, Cindy Rifkin, Joan Fresh; Mixed media collages by Jan McLean and Allan Dudek; Drawings by Caitlin TurnerWoods and Carla Kern; Jewelry by Kira Nelson and Dawn Lombard, Sam Rawls and Lara Sendich, Ruth Starcher and Keelin Britt, Barbara Brill and Marcie Wright, Analiese and Shelly Saber; Mary Anne Lagana hand sews jackets, Nancy Boccuzzi hand knits shawls, sweaters and scarves, Patricia Shea hand makes felted hats and handbags and Patricia Burling hand weaves rugs and thrawls (throws that can be used as shawls), Lisa and Louis Strauss hand tools leather accessories made from Tilapia skins; Sculptures by Michael Brotschul and Julia Ambrose, Jon Westberg, Marian Doherty and Kayla Gibbons. Prints by Luke Lynch, Genna Riggi and Frieda Howling and there is so much more!

Your are always welcome at SoBoBo!

The energy is alive at SoBobo! Creating excitement & joy,

it is awaiting to be shared with you!

Come, and experience the anticipation of

the Seasons of Giving for yourself!

SoBoBo’s hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 7:00 pm. Monday through Wednesday is by appointment only (call 203-906-8945 to make an appointment.) Visit us at 17 Broadway – Walnut Beach, Milford, CT.

SHOP AT HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Always Wishing Everyone the Best of Everything!