What is Africa's Christmas?

Coptic Christians in Egypt, Ethiopia and other parts of north and east Africa celebrate Christmas on 7 January, based on the older Julian calendar. The day is preceded by a 40-day fast culminating in a Christmas Eve feast on 6 January called the Glorious Birth Feast.

What is the African Christmas?

Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn. zə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.

What do they call Christmas in Africa?

In Afrikaans (one the languages spoken in South Africa) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Geseënde Kersfees'; in Zulu it's 'UKhisimusi omuhle', in Sesotho it's 'Le be le keresemese e monate' and in Xhosa it's 'Krismesi emnandi'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

What is a fact about Christmas in Africa?

Christmas isn't on the same date across Africa

Although the vast majority of countries in Africa celebrate Christmas on December 25th, some countries have a different day for the celebration. The Coptic Christians in Egypt and Ethiopia celebrate Christmas on January 7th as they follow the older Julian calendar.

What is Santa Claus called in Africa?

Africa and Middle East

Of those countries in Africa and the Middle East that celebrate Christmas, Papá Noel is the most common name for Santa Claus. In South Africa Sinterklaas, Father Christmas and Santa Claus are also used.

The African Origins of Christmas

What do Africans do for Christmas?

In Africa, Christmas is all about festive concerts, sunny outdoor feasts and Christmas street parades. For almost everyone in Africa, Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family, go to church and enjoy a big feast – but every country also has its own unique festive traditions.

How do you say Merry Christmas in Africa?

Is Kwanzaa African Christmas?

Each December the Outreach Program receives numerous inquiries about the festival Kwanzaa. This celebration is not a festival originating in any of the 55 African countries nor is it an "African" Christmas celebration. Kwanzaa is an African-Americans celebration of life from 26 December to 1 January.

What is traditional African Christmas food?

Traditional Christmas meals in African countries often feature fish or poultry, starchy sides such as yams or plantains and hearty vegetable dishes. Some everyday dishes may include couscous, soups, stews, tagines, and roasted meats.

What country has the weirdest Christmas tradition?

Krampus, Austria

Many towns in Austria (and neighbouring countries), especially the alpine villages around Salzburg and Tyrol, celebrate Krampusnacht on December 5th, when dozens of men dressed as the half-goat demon parade through the streets brandishing sticks and terrorising children.

What religion is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a strictly secular holiday. Although its seven-pronged kinara bears a resemblance to the eight-pronged Jewish menorah, it has no connection to Judaism. And although Kwanzaa is celebrated immediately after Christmas, it is neither related to nor intended to supplant the Christian holiday.

What are 5 facts about Kwanzaa?

Who invented Kwanzaa and why?

1. Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s. Maulana Karenga, a Black nationalist who later became a college professor, created Kwanzaa as a way of uniting and empowering the African American community in the aftermath of the deadly Watts Rebellion.

Where did African Christmas come from?

In 1966, the African American Maulana Karenga created the holiday of Kwanzaa to give black people an “opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history” rather than indulge in the customary traditions of a white Christmas.

What's the difference between Kwanzaa and Christmas?

The reason for the festival – probably the biggest difference is the reason for the festival. Christmas is religious based, celebrating the birth of Jesus. Whereas Kwanzaa is cultural/spiritual based and celebrates African beliefs and heritage.

What do African Americans cook for Christmas?

Other items including, corn bread, biscuits, dressing (not stuffing), gumbo, chicken and dumplings, and a variety of rice dishes (i.e. pigeon peas and rice, yellow rice, jambalaya or white rice paired with black eyed peas, traditionally called Hoppin' John) or butter beans are all found on the holiday table in black ...

Why is South African Christmas different?

If you've moved to South Africa from Europe, the weather on Christmas day is likely to be totally different to what you're used to. That's because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas is in the middle of summer. In fact, flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and everything is alive.

What is the most famous African dish?

Is Kwanzaa African or American?

Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.

Is Kwanzaa only for African-Americans?

Kwanzaa doesn't discriminate

Clearly it's a holiday created for African-Americans. But just like people other than Mexicans celebrate Cinco de Mayo, other races and ethnic groups are welcome to participate in the Kwanzaa rituals.

Did Kwanzaa start Africa?

History of Kwanzaa

Maulana Karenga, a noted Black American scholar and activist created Kwanzaa in 1966. Its name is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili, the most widely spoken African language. However, Kwanzaa, the holiday, did not exist in Africa.

How do Muslims say Merry Christmas?

Earlier, Zimbabwean Islamic scholar Mufti Menk had stated that Muslims need not forcefully wish Merry Christmas and instead should say “Wa Alaikum as-salam” if someone wishes them Merry Christmas.

What do Ethiopians call Santa?

Santa Claus is a fairly recent visitor to Ethiopia, only being known about through 'western' Christmas traditions. In the Amharic language, Father Christmas or Santa Claus is called 'Yágena Abãt' which means 'Christmas Father'.

What are the traditions of Christmas in Nigeria?

Christmas cards are sent to friends and family members. Presents are exchanged amongst family members and some families may take their children dressed in new outfits to see Santa Claus. In addition to serving turkey, a traditional Christmas meal in Nigeria may include beef, goat, sheep, ram or chicken.