What are the similarities between Christmas and Kwanzaa?

Answer 1

From a sociological perspective, all religious holidays are observances meant to bring believers together, give them common rituals, and promote group solidarity. Thus, although Christmas and Kwanzaa are two very different holidays based on two very different sets of beliefs, they are both important because they provide members of each group (Christians, African-Americans) with a joyful celebration that they can share with others.

Jesus did not say anything about Christmas, nor is there much evidence that he was born on December 25; but about a hundred and fifty years after his death, his followers established Christmas, by making use of a popular Roman holiday (the Saturnalia) as the day to celebrate his birth. Christmas became an important and festive holiday in the Christian tradition, one that is today less about religion and more about giving gifts, but still, a special day that remains a central observance for Christians.

Kwanzaa was created circa 1967 by Professor Ronald Everett, who took the African name Maulanu Karenga. He wanted to provide black people with a holiday that would instill pride in their African heritage. It was not tied to any specific religion, but rather, to traditional African culture. The goal of Kwanzaa was to give young people a better understanding of the rituals and beliefs practiced in Africa, and to translate those beliefs into qualities that should be transmitted by black parents to their children-- these qualities included self-determination, creativity, purpose, and faith. Not every black family observes Kwanzaa, but many do, and those who observe it find it a meaningful way to experience and respect their historical ties with Africa.