Kwanzaa Wrapping Paper

Kwanzaa is a seven-day secular holiday celebration honoring African-American heritage. It is observed immediately after Christmas Day, from the 26th of December up to the first day of the new year. This occasion is celebrated mostly by African-Americans in the United States. It features activities such as candle-lighting, pouring of libations (an ancient religious ritual whereby a drink is poured as an offering to a god), which culminates in a feast and intricate gift-giving. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966 and was founded by Black Nationalist Ron Karenga as an African-American version of "first fruits", a traditional African cultural celebration.

During Kwanzaa festivities, families gather in celebration, exchanging gifts with one another. Traditional Kwanzaa colors are red, green, and black. Before choosing the type of Kwanzaa wrapping paper, determine who will receive the gifts. Traditionally, parents give gifts to children. If your recipients are kids, you could go for a wrapping paper with illustrations or cliparts of Kwanzaa symbols, such as this second example. Customary Kwanzaa icons are candle holder, corn, crops, gifts, mat, and unity cup.

Other acceptable Kwanzaa wrapping paper designs, such as the above example, can be used to wrap gifts to "older kids." Traditionally, adults don't receive gifts during this event, and kids get to have gifts that are educational (books, educational games and toys, crafts, etc.). The zawadi (gift) they receive will typically depend on their achievements, commitments, and progress for the past year.

Since the celebration of Kwanzaa discourages too much commercialism and by tradition, gifts given in African culture were either homemade or grown, it is but appropriate to use wrapping paper that is also home-made or personalized. In addition, home-made gift wrapping is consistent with the principles of Kwanzaa.

Use alternative materials that can be recycled such as used grocery bags made of kraft paper, manila paper, or traditional African paper. Use your favorite web browser to search for them on the Internet. There are a lot of online shops that sell these types of paper.