When you need to change up your look and give your style a refresh, turning to the past can help. Taking inspiration from a specific decade or time and incorporating it into your modern look can give it a unique and exciting appearance. In particular, channeling a ’70s style can provide you with an awesome retro aesthetic that’s completely on-trend right now. Thankfully, nailing the look is easier than ever with our guide to 70s fashion for men.
Prioritizing change and modernization, the youth counterculture movements of the 1960s led to the fashion trends that flourished in the 1970s. But unlike in the '60s, Americans of the 70s took a step back from political movements to choose to focus on themselves. In the 1970s, fashion was all about individuality and expression.
As such, many traditional fashion rules were broken and unique and androgynous looks reigned supreme. Key styles for the decade included hippie, peacock revolution, glam rock, and disco looks. Thanks to an influx of cheap clothing in the market, gents could easily showcase which group they belonged to or switch between them all.
Born in the last decade, unisex clothing has been popular since the early 1970s. With women entering the workforce like never before, men's suits and casual wear became more popular. popularity among young people. Women also wear skirts with various variations, they often choose tight mini-skirts to wear every day. A popular item in the late '60s, the hot pant, tight shorts that were only 2-3 inches long became the go-to style for young girls in the first half of the 70s.
The tight tops and loose pants characterize the fashion for both men's and women's fashion. A 1970s wardrobe staple, blue jeans were worn by both men and women as well as children across the country and can be transformed into many different styles. The popularity of bell bottoms continues to grow, and now it's become the fashion statement of the decade. Women often choose ankle-length maxi dresses to wear with a thigh-length slit. Big prints are loved by both sexes with sports coats, cardigans, and pleated pants.
In the ’70s, people often wore bold and daring outfits. While there were a variety of different looks for the decade, most of them incorporated eye-catching colors and patterns, a silhouette that was tight up top and loose down the bottom, and interesting textures, such as satin, suede, and corduroy. Essential items for the decade included bell-bottom and wide-leg pants, platform shoes, vests, long collared shirts, tight tees, turtleneck sweaters, and leisure suits amongst many others.
During the beginning of the 1970s, there were several main fashion groups for men. However, many overlapped in style. For example, while gents could either be part of the hippie subculture or peacock revolution, it was likely that they’d wear bright colors and bell bottoms no matter which category they were in.
When we think of the ’70s, the hippie style instantly comes to mind. As it was one of the first and most significant styles of the decade, it’s easy to see why. Although the look began developing in the late ’60s, it peaked in the early ’70s, making items, such as bell-bottoms, tie-dye tops, headbands, embroidered folk designs, and flowing scarves mainstream fashion. To rock the look today, try incorporating one authentic hippie-era piece into your outfit or a few hippie-inspired modern designs.
Thanks to well-paid jobs and booming businesses, the seventies saw young men begin dressing in more unconventional ways. These unique outfits often included bright colors and, as such, the style was dubbed the peacock revolution. As well as their bold use of color, peacock looks usually included satin shirts, ruffles, tunics, turtlenecks, Cuban heeled boots, bell bottoms, and braided belts. Suits also featured bright colors and unusual styles. Double-breasted designs in corduroy and crushed velvet were popular.
Color played an essential role in the ’70s fashion. Even simple styles from the decade were made to look bold with bright colors. These striking hues, which included yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, purple, and green were utilized across almost all fashion groups. By incorporating bright colors in their outfits, gents were simultaneously able to stand out and fit in.
During the mid-1970s, rock styles rose to popularity. Of course, this wasn’t the same rock look we know today. The seventies rock style was much more glamorous than today and incorporated many traditionally feminine elements as well as eye-catching designs. To wear the look in a modern way, be sure to tone it down by selecting just one or two glam rock accent pieces.
While punk looks featured in the late ’70s, the middle of the decade saw gents adopt a glam rock style. This androgynous trend was particularly popular in Britain, where young men idolized flamboyant musicians, such as David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. The look included several key styles, such as velvet sports coats, shawl-collar tuxedo jackets, frilly and satin shirts, black or tan leather jackets, silk scarves and ascots, oversized collars, and platform shoes.
When the seventies moved into their later years, hippy styles faded out, and disco came in. Brought on by a wave of new music and inspired by stylish celebrities who spent their nights at Studio 54, ’70s disco fashion was glamorous and exciting.
70s disco fashion, which has been immortalized by John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, often featured three-piece suits in a range of colors with wide lapels, wide-leg or flared pants, and high-rise waistcoats. Other notable elements included aviator sunglasses and specs, wide and bold neckties, and long, pointed shirt collars. As this look can be hard to pull off today, it’s best to simply pay homage to the trend by incorporating subtle elements from it into your look.
’70s shoes varied a lot throughout the decade. However, one style was consistently popular: platform boots. These boots, which featured a height-boosting sole and heels, were worn by almost everyone. Other popular footwear styles of the decade included oxford shoes, Birkenstocks, cowboy boots, and Cuban heels.
As the fashion of the time, ’70s accessories were bold and unique. Some of the most popular items included were wide ties, satin scarves, thick and woven belts with big buckles, headbands, and handmade jewelry.
Early ’70s hairstyles for men saw a continuation of some of the most popular looks from the ’60s, such as the pompadour. It also saw a lot of long hairstyles, particularly among those who were part of the hippie subculture.
Sideburns were grown longer during the ’70s and partnered with a variety of haircuts, including mod styles and more traditional side-parted looks. Volume was heavily desired during this time and, as such, afro and perm styles were also favored. During the late 1970s, many gents decided to cut off their long longs and opt instead for shorter cuts, including crew cuts, buzz cuts, and shag styles.
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The 1970s brought forward many looks of the 1960s. An eclectic mix of styles made personal choices fashionable and changed the world of fashion forever. People were no longer herded into a particular style.
Fashions of the 1970s were diverse, reflecting a new interest in clothing as self-expression. The Civil Rights Movement of the recent past encouraged other groups to grasp their own freedoms. People felt free of social dictates, no longer ruled by the elite fashion houses. The writer Tom Wolfe once called the 1970s, "me generation."
The African continent is widely recognized as the "cradle of humanity," but a little-known fact is that it is also the origin of tattooing!
In today's world, everyone would like to get an art piece on our body to stand out and fascinate others. There are certain special tattoo designs, but African tattoo ideas seem to be the idea that tempts and attracts men and women of all ages.
If you’re finding a brand-new tattoo idea, our list may definitely help!
The earliest evidence of tattooing was found on two Egyptian mummy bodies, which are considered to be over 5,000 years old. Thousands of years later, Africans started to ink their bodies with spiritual symbols in order to protect them from disease, show tribe loyalty, and denote social class.
Tattoos were also used by ancient people to illustrate personality characteristics, which are likely to resemble the present culture.
The map of the African land, often with a heart or significant symbol imprinted within, and also images of Africa's famous habitat, including zebras, lions, elephants, and giraffes, are the most popular designs. Some other choice is to have the beautiful savanna background, accentuated by the setting sun, inked across your back or forearm. Some may want to integrate a portrait of a loved one or a favorite actor into their tattoo scenery.
Adinkra tattoos are believed to have started with Gyaaman tribes who came from West Africa. These tattoo symbols were only used by important spiritual leaders, as well as people in royalty. Among 122 known Adinkra symbol tattoos, these are the most common.
The symbol stands out as the most important of the Adinkra symbols, representing charisma, leadership, and greatness. According to legend, it laid the groundwork for the development of other Adinkra symbols. So that this symbol represents the respectable qualities of a great leader.
The Dwennimmen symbol describes two rams butting heads, with the rams' horns representing power and humility. This reminds us of how many Africans were taken from their homelands, enslaved, and still fought for freedom.
Like Griffin and Unicorn, the Sankofa is a mythical creature. This symbol has deep spiritual significance in the African-American community and is derived from the Akan people of West Africa, specifically Ghana. It is popular among clothing and jewelry designers, as well as tattoo enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary.
Tribal-style tattoos were traditionally worn in Africa to share stories of suffering as well as triumphs. The African style of tribal tattooing is more focused on shading than other types of tribal work, leading to increased designs that are rich in meaning and depth.
This symbol illustrates two Siamese crocodiles share only one stomach; they fight together for nutrition. This highlights the fact that internal fighting and tribalism are detrimental to all participants. Funtunfunefu is the symbol of democracy and unity.
This is a symbol of tenacity and ingenuity. The fern is a special plant that develop in extreme conditions. An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities and outlasted much difficulty.
In many cultures, this stalk is regarded as the staff of life. It expresses the Akan's thought that food is the source of life and that people would disappear if it were not for the food that God has created on Earth for their nourishment.
The spider, Ananse, is a well-known character in African folklore. This is also a symbol of intelligence, creativity, and life's complexities.
Source: trustmeimpremedAfrican warrior tattoos are typically used by various tribes and people from all around the world to show love and respect for the tribe.
African masks have a hidden meaning and represent a form of transition or the acquirement of a new entity. African people believed that by wearing masks, they could influence or appeal to spirits.
Source: goluputtar
Many people have chosen to ink their regional symbols to express their pride and connect with their ancestors or origins.
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African tattoo ideas, like other types of tattoos, have varying symbolic meanings depending on the designs and symbols. We hope that this blog about African tattoo ideas would inspire you to pick the one that suits your needs and style.
African turquoise, a gemstone with a long history of jewelry, is recently regaining attention for its unique beauty and positive energy it conveys. Along with the series on 7 African Powers and African-rooted rituals and symbols, vlexbilling will provide readers with knowledge about the oldest jewelry of African ancestors.
Turquoise is an opaque mineral that has bands of blue, cyan, green, and yellowish-green. It has been viewed as a gemstone for thousands of years. From time immemorial the ancient peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and North America casually made turquoise one of their favorite materials for the production of gems, mosaics, and sculptures.
Turquoise is very old, from 5000 BC, and is called Callais – meaning beautiful stone. But by the 13th century, when this stone was brought to France for widespread use, it was referred to as "the stone from Turkey" and the name Turquoise began to popularize there. This is because turquoise from Iran was first shipped to Europe via this country. However, that usage is extremely common – so common that the English language uses the word “turquoise” as the name for a bluish-green color that characterizes high-quality turquoise. Very few minerals have such a famous, distinctive, and dramatic color that the name of the mineral has become as popular as turquoise.
Turquoise has been valued as a gemstone for millennia. Turquoise was used as jewelry by the ancient Egyptians and Aztecs. The mask buried in the tomb of King Tutankhamun is inlaid with turquoise stones. The Mesocericans created turquoise mosaics and the Chinese carved turquoise into the ornaments. Turquoise was also used by Native Americans in artwork and jewelry, in the belief that Turquoise imparted protective, protective properties. Tibetans have also believed in the healing properties of turquoise for centuries.
Although African Turquoise is referred to as turquoise, it is not that stone in the classic definition. Instead, it is a genre of jasper produced in Africa that is frequently processed to give it the deep blue-green hue we associate with conventional turquoise. The structure of the gem, with its stunning black and brown spiders and dots, is what properly distinguishes it as a lovely replacement for the more expensive conventional type.
If African Turquoise isn't Turquoise at all, then what is it? Because it is a version of Jasper-a type of Chalcedony, African Turquoise, like agate and several other gemstones, is theoretically a variant of Chalcedony. In comparison to the generally translucent agate, African Jasper contains crystallized quartz, which provides it an impenetrable look.
The chemical formula for Turquoise is CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 4H2O. In nature, turquoise has a blue color that includes a range of colors that can range from green to blue. Copper gives this stone its blue color. The green color of the stone is made from iron and a little bit of chromium.
This stone also comes in other colors, often with bands of black, brown, or yellow running across this crystal. Distributed mainly in Iran, Myanmar, USA, Ethiopia, Turquoise with scientific name is Biruza / Birusa rock formed by the effect of copper with rocks containing Alumni (Feldspar) and phosphorus (apatite) under chemical conditions of geology.
Because of the unique difference in the composition of African turquoises, this traditional African rock has a greater hardness than the conventional type (6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale). This makes this stone a top choice for everyday bracelets or necklaces without fear of impact or breakage.
The mineral makeup of the stone, particularly crystal quartz (which gives it its wonderful organic appearance), is responsible for the stone's lovely organic appearance. The mineral makeup of the stone, which includes crystal quartz (which gives it the opaque aspect) as well as copper and iron, contributes to the stone's wonderful organic appearance.
Because of its innate toughness, African Turquoise is an ideal choice for jewelry products designed for frequent usage at a reasonable price. Other impurities, including copper and iron, contribute to its lovely variegated color pallet.
African turquoise is known as the crystal of metamorphosis since it brings about significant change and transition in one's life. This lovely stone changes your perspective to the potential of new and undiscovered experiences. It enables us to acknowledge necessity development and provides us the courage to embrace it confidently.
The "Stone of Evolution" is African Turquoise. Metaphysically, this evolutionary stone is meant to assist you in making essential changes in your life and to open you up to what the future has for you. It also promotes growth and development to promote good transformation from within. It broadens one's mind to fresh ideas and limitless possibilities.
African Turquoise is a stone that encourages structure and harmony, allowing one to awaken to their true purpose. It assists you in balancing your past and future as you continue to develop into your genuine self. It encourages people to apply the information they already have while also exposing them to the wisdom of others to help them become better people for the benefit of all of mankind.
African Turquoise, on the other hand, is said to help with mood swings, acceptance, and soothing sensations of emotional irritation, resulting in a more hopeful outlook on life. It is a Third Eye Chakra stone, which opens your eyes and mind to fresh thoughts and your actual purpose. Carry it with you, and you'll feel reassured while you explore new possibilities.
Because African Turquoise resonates with the Third Eye Chakra, it helps the wearer gain deeper insight. The stone wakes our spiritual bodies to their fullest purpose, giving information from the past to help us through times of transition and progress. It opens the door to a clear, concentrated mind. African Turquoise will assist those seeking guidance to their highest inner self, as it is a critical tool in the job of widening and strengthening all areas as we mature.
Turquoise has a long history of being used as an amulet in many cultures. In many places, wearing Turquoise is believed to ward off unexpected calamities and protect them from evil spirits while in others it is believed to simply bring good luck and prolong life. In some cultures, turquoise is believed to have a direct link to the health of the wearer. Turquoise will be pale, dark when the owner is sick or sick, and become brighter when the owner is healthy again.
African Turquoise stone brings many health benefits to humans. It is said to relieve migraines and benefit the brain, eyes, ears, neck, lungs, and throat. In Hinduism, turquoise is associated with the throat chakra and the 3rd eye chakra. Therefore, Turquoise affects the pineal gland, thyroid gland, and ovary gland, helping to enhance the immune system in humans. Throat problems can be relieved by taking Turquoise.
Turquoise's energy helps to balance negative energy and electromagnetic radiation in the air, which is very beneficial to human health in today's modern life.
Turquoise is a crystal of balance so it can help you to alleviate anxiety and cure neurasthenia. In addition, it helps prevent panic attacks, gives strength, prevents panic attacks as well as destructive behaviors, treats trauma, and releases fear.
Turquoise is also very good for anorexia, headaches, and immune problems. In particular, this stone can help cure problems related to eyes, throat, lungs, asthma, infections, inflammation and helps to regenerate muscles, reduce acid levels in the body, and improve blood and system. endocrine, and neurological.
Turquoise is the stone of sincerity. This stone can help you to be mentally strong and have a sense of security in life. Therefore, this stone will be very useful for those who are shy and want to give up their shyness.
In addition, turquoise helps the wearer attract money, love, health, and beauty. This stone is also known as the stone of good luck. Many civilizations around the world have considered Turquoise as a bridge between Heaven and Earth, so they believe that wearing turquoise will help increase self-knowledge and insight.
Besides, the power that turquoise emits will increase when combined with silver. Turquoise absorbs all forms of negative energy and helps the wearer develop their inherent potential.
When wearing turquoise, it will protect you from bad energies. This stone also helps the wearer stay awake when doing spiritual actions. Turquoise has very good healing effects both mentally and physically and strengthens the body.
Because the composition of turquoise contains copper, phosphorus and is hydrated, this stone is very susceptible to temperature and chemical effects. The turquoise stone is relatively soft, so if not cared for, the stone can change color to pale.
Therefore, to keep the stone from discoloring, it is necessary to protect the stone when wearing it to avoid exposure to cosmetics, heat, and strong light. Its natural structure makes it very easy to lose water at slightly high temperatures. Dehydration will detract from the beauty of turquoise as they can be discolored.
When wearing jewelry made from turquoise, you should avoid letting it get too hot or get chemicals. Note that your sweat can also be acidic, so it will tarnish the turquoise. When turquoise is discolored it is most likely their sign that it needs to be "washed". Turquoise is very fond of copper, so one can “recharge turquoise next to copper or white quartz. Note that turquoise should not be exposed to the sun.
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We always want good things to come to our lives and those we love. African turquoise, a stone of positive ancient energy, would make a great Christmas gift for your beloveds. Makeup yourself and around with the divine energy of African turquoise. Stay believe, stay holy!
]]>Name is a very significant aspect of someone's identity. It might define who you are or what you want to be and connect you to your Africa spiritual soul, culture, or family roots. This is why choosing the perfect name for your child is a little more difficult. So, if you are looking for the right name for your new son, then here are 50 great and popular Black Baby Boy Names that you can consider!
Aiden |
This means "Little fire" which has its origins in Irish mythology, it is a Celtic god of sun and fire in Gaelic language. |
Abraham |
In Biblical Hebrew, this means “Worthy of praise”. It's a classic name that's still popular in today's world. Abraham is regarded as the forefather of the Jews, according to the Old Testament. |
Ade |
A delightful Nigerian baby boy name that translates as "royal". In Yoruba, this word denotes "king," "crown," or "royalty." |
Alonzo |
Known as "Noble or ready for battle", it's an impressive name for a brilliant baby boy. |
Andres |
This name means "Warrior" and is also known as "Brave". It is a common name being used in Spanish. |
Antone |
A nice name means "Priceless". This was a classic name but still popular in modern times. |
Ardashir |
The name can be translated "the one whose reign is based on honesty and justice". Besides, Ardashir is also the name of a 3rd century Persian king who defeated the Parthians and founded the Sassanid Empire. |
Booker |
An African-American and Old English name is understood as "Book binder". |
Bryson |
Means “brave” and wise”. Before it was a surname but generally became a given name. |
Chanté |
It is derived from the Latin word "cantare," which means "Sing". The Chanté name gives your son a clever mind, good business judgment, a sense of responsibility, and an appreciation of the finer things of life. |
Chaquille |
With roots in Arabic, this means “Little”, “truthful”. This was also the name of the sixth Abbasid caliph. |
Chike |
This African name is a strong Egyptian name that means "God's power". Chike is on the list of the most trending Unisex baby names with the simply pronunciation. |
Darius |
This is a Persian name meaning “Rich” and “Kingly”. This name had a famous history through Emperor Darius the Great, an important person in ancient Persian history. |
Dontrell |
An Italian name that means “Gift of God”, it is rarely used so if you want to name your son the unique name, Dontrell will be the one. |
Efrem |
A Hebrew name that means "Very Fruitful", It is the biblical Ephraim name, a son of Joseph and ancestor of the Tribe of Ephraim |
Ekon |
A name that means "Powerful" originated in the African-Nigeria language. The rarely name in U.S, a perfect choice for parents who like a unique name. |
Eli |
The name was famous in the 17th century by the Puritans. Eli is the name of a high priest in the bible. He served as the mentor and spiritual trainer for the young prophet Samuel. It is Hebrew name, which means high, uplifted, and ascended. |
Elijah |
A name which derived from a Hebrew phrase that means "Jehovah is my God". |
Farrell |
A boy name of Irish origin, which means “Man of courage.” |
Ghalen |
An African name which means “Calm and peaceful”. |
Godrell |
It means "Old and wise" in its African-American origin. |
Hakeem |
Means “Wise and intelligent” in its Arabic origin. |
Hector |
Means "Steadfast", this is one of the best names for bold young boys as it was a name of a hero in the Trojan War. |
Izaak |
Comes from Hebrew, it means "Child of laughter". |
Jabari |
An ancient Egyptian name means "Courageous". |
Jamal |
Another Arabic name with the meaning “Beauty”. |
Jasper |
A name was believed to be of Persian origin, the rooted in English that means "Treasure". |
Jaylen |
A Hebrew name meaning "Thankful", can be used for both boys and girls with the greatest meaning: God lodges |
Jordan |
It means “Flow down” and “Descend' in Hebrew and Greek. Jordan is also the name of the river, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Bible. |
Kasim |
Kasim is an African name with multiple meanings: “one who divides goods”, "Control of anger", it's most common in Nigeria. |
Kendi |
In African origin, it means "Loved one". It's traditionally a boy's name, but it can now be used for girls as well. |
Khalan |
Rooted in Hebrew, Brazilian, and Thai, this name means "Strong warrior" and also means "brave" |
Khalil |
Means "Friend" in Arabic roots. It's a common Asian, African surname and now widely used as a given name |
Lamonte |
This name has an origin from Scandinavian. It is a cool Scandinavian name that means “Lawman”. |
Lemarcus |
This name is not common for baby boy name. In African-American, the name means "Warrior". |
Lysander |
This is a special Greek name which related to Alexander, means "Liberator". |
Malachiah |
The Hebrew name means “messenger of God”, “my angel”. It is also the name of the Jewish prophet in the Hebrew Bible. He was the writer of the Book of Malachi, the last book of the Neviim (prophets) section in the Jewish Tanakh. |
Malik |
This name is known as "King" Arabic, the one of the 99 names of Allah. |
Martell |
It is derived from the Latin word "martellus," which means "hammer.". |
Mosi |
The most suitable name for the first-born baby boys, means "Born first". |
Naeem |
Associated with the Arabic name Naim, it's means "To be contented". |
Nolan |
A well-known Irish name meaning “Champion”. |
Omari |
This name means "God the highest" in Swahili. |
Oscar |
A name of English, Irish origin meaning "Spear of Gods". |
Sabah |
Means "Morning" in Arabic and Turkish. This is also a unisex name. |
Samuel |
Originated in the Old Testament of the Bible, this means “name of God". |
Sebastian |
A nice name of Greek origin meaning "Revered", the name given to all Roman emperors. The funny fact is that this is the loveably crab - in Disney's animated classic, "The Little Mermaid". |
Trayvon |
In American origin, this name means "The chosen one". This is one of the most attractive baby name and pronunciation is also simple. |
Tyrus |
A strong name meaning "Strength" in the American origin. This is a habitual name for people from Tyre city in Lebanon. |
Xavier |
Means "New house" and "Bright". The name origins from the Francis de Xavier - the Catholic Saint, where Xavier refers to the saint's birthplace. |
With 50 suggestions for black baby boy names as above, hopefully, parents will have a good choice of naming their son. Wish your dearest babies always be smart, healthy and become the pride of the whole family.
Africa is the place where some of the world's most talented artists, athletes, and campaigners are born. These African celebrities are trying to make a better world in a variety of fields, from the media to politics.
MELANINFUL blog has created a list of the top 10 South African famous people.
Field: President of ANC and Former President of South Africa, Anti-Apartheid Activist
Date of Birth: July 18, 1918
Country: Mvezo
Biography: His government aimed to undo apartheid's legacy by addressing institutionalized racism, poverty, and inequality, as well as fostering racial healing. In 1961, he co-founded the militant Umkhonto we Sizwe alongside the South African Communist Party, directing a bombing campaign against government targets. In the Rivonia Trial in 1962, he was arrested, convicted of sabotage and plotting to destroy the government, and sentenced to life in jail. From 1956 to 1961, as a lawyer he was tried for treason, but not guilty of inciting activities and with the leadership of the ANC
Achievements: He got over 250 honors and awards including The Nobel Prize and the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Heritages: The books he has written are notable as The Long Walk to Freedom (1994) and No Easy Walk to Freedom (1965).
Field: Actress and producer
Date of Birth: 7 August 1975
Country: Benoni, Johannesburg
Biography: Her debut appearance was in the B-movie Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995), in a non-speaking role that lasted three seconds. Her next appearance was as Helga Svelgen in 2 Days in the Valley (1996), after which she was cast as Tina Powers in That Thing You Do! (1996)
Achievements: The films she starred in include Hancock, Mad Max: Fury Road, Fate of the Furious, The Cider House and others. She also received the Globe Award and the Silver Bear Award for Best Actress. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016
Field: Politician, Anti-Apartheid Activist
Date of Birth: September 26, 1936
Country: Bizana, Eastern Cape
Biography: Winnie's journey was hindered by the South African government's prohibitions and persecution, but the tenacious social worker transformed South African politics.
Achievements: She has accolades to her name and she won the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Award for her works in 1985. She was a South African anti-apartheid activist.
Field: Actress and producer
Date of Birth: June 28, 1954
Country: Upington, South Africa
Biography: In the 1981 Academy Award-winning film Chariots of Fire, she played Sybil Gordon, a soprano for Gilbert and Sullivan. Other appearances include the Borg Queen in Star Trek and a recurring character in Star Trek: The Experience's "Borg Invasion 4-D."
Achievements: She has produced the film Jail Caesar.
Field: Anti-apartheid Activist, politician
Date of Birth: December 18, 1946
Country: Ginsberg, South Africa
Biography: He is the founder of the Black Consciousness Movement. In 1973, he was banned by the pro-apartheid regime and beaten to death while in detention
Achievements: Stephen Bantu Biko was an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa in the 1960s and 1970s, the Father of Black Consciousness, is remembered for his work against apartheid in South Africa.
Field: A South African singer-songwriter, musician and actor, Alternative rock artist
Date of Birth: January 9, 1967
Country: Johannesburg
Biography: He was the lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band, which sold tickets and made more money from 200 to 2010.
Achievements: He has won two Grammys, one with the band and the other as a solo artist. He has hit songs like So much to Say, Some Devil, and Gravedigger.
Field: A South African swimmer
Date of Birth: April 12, 1992
Country: Durban, South Africa
Achievements: He is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion as well as the Commonwealth record holder in the 50- and 100-meter butterfly. In the 2012 Olympics in London, he won gold in the 200-meter butterfly and silver in the 100-meter butterfly. He also competed in the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore, winning five medals.
Field: Entrepreneur, Astronaut, Engineer, Inventor, Scientist, Blogger, Businessperson, Computer scientist
Date of Birth: September 18, 1973
Country: Welkom
Biography: He currently resides on the Isle of Man and is a dual citizen of South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Achievements: He is credited with founding Canonical, the company that developed the popular Linux-based Ubuntu operating system, he was the first South African to go into space in 2002
Field: Soccer
Date of Birth: November 12, 1977
Country: Cape Town, South Africa
Biography: He is a former South African footballer who last signed with the Orlando Pirates.
Achievements: He is the all-time top scorer with 31 goals for Bafana Bafana, the South African national team, at the 1998 World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Field: Novelist, Author, Essayist
Date of Birth: February 9, 1940
Country: Cape Town, South Africa
Biography: Since 2002, he has resided in Australia. In 2006, he became an Australian citizen. He is currently based in Adelaide, South Australia.
Achievements: He has won the Booker Prize twice for books such as 'Life & Time of Michael K' and 'Disgrace,' and has been nominated numerous times for works such as 'Summertime,' 'Elizabeth Costello,' 'Slow Man,' and others.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003 for his novel 'Dusklands.'
Tattoo art is becoming one of the most well-known forms of body art in the world. Their major goal is to 'impress other people' often with an emotional past to further solidify their intent. However, in most African cultures, tattoos are never meant to be so shallow.
Most paintings in Africa are motivated by ideas that go well beyond mere beauty. It is not artistry, but rather a sense of intimacy with the community in which they live.
So, what glorious heritage of ancestors is hiding behind the African tattoos?
Let's dive into!
The very first recorded African tattoos were discovered as plain-ink drawings on the mummified graves of women around the zenith of ancient Egypt's civilization about 2000 BCE. These ladies utilized tattoos to promote fertility and renewal. This was due to the shapes of the tattoos and the body parts where they were discovered. These marks were found on the abdominal and pelvic areas of ancient women.
For men, the oldest tattoos discovered date back approximately to 1300BCE. They were painted to symbolize Neith, the ancient goddess of battle and weaving. Ancient tattoos often focused on parts such as the face, arms, calves, and chest with a combination of simple motifs such as straight lines or ellipses.
It is commonly acknowledged that Northern Africans embraced tattooing as a part of their religious and ritual traditions more than Southern Africans or tribes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tattoos were utilized by Northern tribes and, later, sovereign nations to display their heritage, affiliation to a certain tribe or society, or self-expression.
Surprisingly, upper-class African women were the ones who popularized tattooing throughout ancient Egypt and Northern Africa. This was because tattoos, or permanent body marks, were thought to represent a woman's fertility, prestige, and reverence.
Tattooing became less prevalent among Africans after the entrance of monotheistic religions, notably Islam, in Northern African nations. This is because tattooing is regarded as a form of self-mutilation, therefore, a sin in Islam. It is considered that God-given treasure is inviolable. As a result, the practice of tattooing was prohibited.
As a result, several tribes in these areas utilize henna patterns to create temporary tattoos. Muslim women are urged to use henna to tint their nails in displays of female sexuality. This tradition is also growing more common nowadays, and it is certainly a key feature of Islamic brides' bridal makeup. However, it is equally important to realize that henna drawings themselves are not tattoos.
Tattooing, on the other hand, is still practiced by non-Islamic tribes, who have passed it on to successive generations. Traditional African tattoos are still used by a substantial section of North African populations in nations such as Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.
Scarification is the most frequent kind of tribal body marking in Sub-Saharan Africa. Instead of utilizing archaic ink, these individuals would cut symbols and designs into their flesh, resulting in lasting scars. Scars, like tattoos, were thought to be a sort of protection from bad spirits or a remedy for the disease.
Sharp tools are employed in this scenario to cut deep enough into the skin to leave a lasting mark. They would cut portions of flesh into patterns and designs so that when the skin healed and scarred, it would produce a shape or design that would last forever.
Scarification's primary goal varies from one location to the next. However, most people thought that scarification, especially on the face, rendered the wearer less appealing to the spirit of death. Scarification was often used among ancient African women, particularly young girls. Scars were seen to be a sign of both beauty and motherhood.
The procedure of skin scarification, on the other hand, is a terrifying experience. It may also be deadly because the absence of aftercare meant that victims caught infections via the puncture wounds, which often resulted in death if quick treatment was not provided. Scarification, however, is prevalent mostly in the Sahel area, which runs from Senegal to the Red Sea.
The slave trade played a role in the loss of the meanings of African tattoo customs. The African slaves sold for the transatlantic ship came from various tribes, each with their own tattoos and tribal practices. When enslaved, however, these ancient Africans were marked (frequently with iron rods of various forms burned by fire) to be identified if they were released or rescued.
These tribal insignia were also erased to guarantee that these slaves' identity, race, religion, social rank, life experiences, and achievements were forgotten as they relocated. Soon after, slave owners and traffickers realized what was going on and began to employ African body tattoos as a commercial method of slave categorization. With these markings, they could command a premium price for slaves who bore marks designating them as courageous. The African body marks also aided in the recapture of escaping slaves and the collection of taxes from slaveholders.
Although not much is thoroughly documented about the cultural origins of tattooing, ancient Africans are believed to have followed this practice for thousands of years. Tattooing is a form of marking with ink on the body, thereby changing skin pigmentation. Traditionally, tattoos are engraved on the body with the meaning of exorcism, worship, healing, or showing the status of the tattooed person in the tribe.
Ancient African tattoo their bodies like their fathers did for the fear of others seeing them as isolated individuals in the tribe. A separate individual has no meaning but must be closely associated with the community in which he lives. In some ethnic groups, an individual is a symbol of an entity that is killed by some mystical being, then reincarnated, and must bear on his face or body the remaining traces of that animal.
A tattoo is not only a mark but also a kind of passport for that individual to officially join the community. For other ethnic groups, they consider them as confusing and backward signs of primitive tribes who have not yet approached civilization. But for successive generations, they are symbols of the legends and myths of ancient origin.
The meaning of each tattoo of many small tribes living in Africa varies according to the territory of the tribal group. There are many tattoos painted on children's faces from birth. The African tribes believe that the tattoo is left to concretize the birth cry of the baby. Each human face must have the totem of the tribe to prove the connection with the community that the ancestors of that tribe built.
Tattoos are no longer exclusively tribal, religious, or ceremonial. This body art is now often used for merely ornamental purposes by many people. However, it is undoubted that African tattoos are one of the most enlightening sources of the tattoo culture. African tattoos are becoming extremely prevalent as we no longer produce plain markings but artworks depicting African art and heritage.
Not only have social perceptions and popular designs changed over time, so have the tools and inks used for tattooing. Before modern tattoo guns, tattoo tools were made from a variety of materials.
Ancient Egyptian tattoo needles were made of copper. Needles came in a variety of sizes, to create both complex and basic designs. The tattoo tools used in some of the African tribes required two people to make a tattoo. These tools included a simple chisel and a hammer. Tattoo artists made a series of small cuts to the skin. The ink was then pounded straight into the area around the wounds.
Similar techniques were found in the minority tribal communities scattered across the African highlands where the culture of tattooing acted as a passport across tribes. However, the tattoo formula of these tribes is still a mystery.
The first tattoos used homemade ink. These inks can be made from ash or soot, mixed with oil or breast milk. Traditionally, tattoo ink is made from a candle that is melted over a hot flame. Then, soot is collected from the burning seeds and mixed with sugar and water. Depending on the use of the tattoo, tattoo ink is sometimes mixed with other ingredients such as animal blood, herbs, essential oils, etc. to cure diseases, repel insects, wild animals or perform rituals in religion.
The tattoo guns used today have more humble origins in 1891. The first electric tattoo machine was patented by Samuel O'Reilly. The design is based on a modified version of the electric pen, created by Thomas Edison. The advent of electric tattoo machines has seen a steady increase in the popularity of tattoos.
The ink used in firearms is generated from geological or mineral sources. Black ink is made using iron oxide or carbon, and cinnabar is used to make red. Different shades of orange, red and yellow are created using different cadmium compounds. Modern technology has recently seen a shift away from mineral-based pigments. Organic pigments are more commonly used today. Modern inks also contain a variety of fillers, binders, and preservatives.
Tattoos have long been a feature of various African traditions. Despite being generally accepted, most tattoos have lost their profound significance. Tattoos express a strong sense of urgency, expressing love for the homeland right on the skin. It is the cultural value of African heritage that makes African-Americans always want to strengthen ties with their forefathers.
Tattooing evidence in ancient African cultures is diverse and interesting. Tattoos, in addition to their religious and aesthetic connotations, demonstrate a profound consideration of the human body and the societal values linked with the person, as opposed to their current aesthetic worth. It is also the pinnacle of African personality, and the legacy of his forefathers will carry on through these symbols. The tattooed is a meaningful worshiped mascot that brings luck, peace in life, and remembers the roots.
There is still much to be found about tattoos throughout African history. Do you want to try a new and unique tattoo? Learn about x tattoo ideas and their meanings right now.
Nowadays, an increasing number of individuals are being allured to their pre-Christian ancestors' customs. Many modern African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, South Americans, and other magical beings feel drawn to work with the Orishas, notably the Seven African Powers. The Seven African Powers are invoked to help with difficulties, spiritual growth, and connecting to one's inherent strength.
As spirit guides, everyone can invoke the Seven African Powers, and everyone has access to these Orishas for assistance. So, let's get to know them more!
Africa consists of many ethnic groups, each with a different culture and tradition. Therefore, it is very complicated to introduce African mythology.
Not to mention, in addition to the Egyptian civilization, which is preserved by ancient texts, other African peoples mostly transmit myths orally, and in some areas, monotheistic religions such as Islam and Christianity, God was influential early on. Therefore, in the regions of North Africa, East Africa, and South Africa, the mythological records of the peoples are scattered and not well organized.
However, in the West African coast and the Niger River Delta, West African mythology is still handed down and developed in a fertile way. Prominent are the gods of great peoples such as Fon, Igbo, Ashanti, Serer, and especially the massive system of gods (also known as orishas) of the Yoruba people, one of the biggest African tribes. The Orishas are a set of spirits that originated in Yorubaland, an area of Africa that includes Nigeria, Benin, and Togo.
The myths of those religions continued to spread to the Americas through the slave trade, and to this day, Afro Americans still tell each other about characters from their home continent, such as the deceitful king Anansi, the cunning rabbit Br'er Rabbit, etc.
Olodumare, the Yoruba creation deity, is the most important figure in the Yoruba religion. Furthermore, the Orishas are spirits (more akin to demi-gods or angels) that labor under the supervision of Olodumare. Olodumare created the Orishas and so has authority over them, as well as the Seven African Powers.
The Seven African Powers are made up of the seven most prominent Orishas: Elegua, Yemaya, Oshun, Chango, Obatala, Oya, and Ogun. These deities, who are frequently represented with their pictures linked together in a chain circling an image of the crucified Jesus, symbolize everything sacred and powerful in Santeria. The term "Seven African Powers" appears in several faiths, including Santeria, Hoodoo, Candomble, and Arara.
The way to mankind is opened and closed by Eshu Elegbara. He is the first Orisha to be formed and governs the crossroads that mankind travels through. This formidable orisha is the communicator between universes and the intersection guardian. In Haiti, he is known as Papa Legba, in Cuba as Elegua, and in Brazil as Exu. He might be the same spirit as Palo's Lucero.
Eshu is in charge of opening and closing roadways. He is summoned to eliminate impediments from your way as well as to keep hurdles and disasters from reaching you. He is a cunning trickster as well as a force for justice. Eshu is a seeker of the truth. Nothing can escape his notice. Eshu Elegbara traveled to the Western Hemisphere with enslaved believers, where he rose to prominence as one of the most important and highly worshipped spirits of African-Diaspora religions.
Eshu Elegbara acts as a go-between for humans and other spirits. When attempting to converse with other spirits, it is customary to first beg Legba to open the door. In African-Diaspora spiritual rites, he is the first spirit called. Legba unlocks the door for the other spirits to pass through.
This god's metaphorical color is black or red. The traditional picture of this deity is a clown in a red and black costume standing on street corners at life's turning points. Tobacco, alcohol, and rum are among the god's favorite emblems.
Ogun is the god of war and blacksmith in Yoruba mythology, one of 14 children born from Yemoja's belly when she died. Ogun is a fearless warrior who defends his people and battles injustice.
Ogun is such an intelligent and creative Orishas to invent tools, weapons, and technology. His tools and labor were responsible for clearing the forest to establish cities, houses, and highways. He is the knife's tip, and as such, he is frequently misinterpreted. Ogun's nature allows him to wield the knife to either murder or rescue people during surgery.
Ogun lives throughout the world's outdoors and woodland locations. He's frequently spotted hunting with his best mates Eleggua and Ochosi. Ogun may be a devoted father who works constantly at his forge to create new inventions, or he can be a bloodthirsty warrior who swings machetes and decapitates his foes. He can also be a brilliant surgeon who eliminates tumors and saves lives.
Ogun's key emblems are iron, the dog, and the palm frond. They represent Ogun's function in transformation, mediation, and function. Ogun's major symbol is iron. In Yoruba territories and throughout the African diaspora, Ogun altars and Ceremonies exhibit and employ iron artifacts. The most commonly worshiped symbol of this god is the metal household items such as knives, scissors, saws, axes, etc.
Obatala is the second son of the Supreme god Olorun and is the god credited with creating mankind. Obatala is considered a god of charity, justice, and the ability to heal. He is often depicted as a middle-aged man with gentle face, long hair, and simple white clothes. The symbols of the god are also white like water, milk, rice, white flowers, bananas, etc.
In the beginning, the world had only the vast sky ruled by Olorun, and the vast sea under the rule of the sea god Olokun, there was no life, only the gods alone. The world is too big and sad, Obatala came up intending to create the ground for life to flourish, and to give birth to a few more gods. Obatala asked Father Olorun's permission and asked for a prophecy from his eldest brother Orunmila. Orunmila instructed Obatala on the steps to create the ground.
Following Orunmila's instructions, Obatala released a golden chain from the sky, climbed down, and poured sand into the sea, creating the ground. He dropped a hen and a dove on the ground, so that they spread the sand everywhere, extending the land in all directions. Obatala set foot on the ground, where he called Ife, which would later become the ancient capital of the Yoruba. He planted a palm tree, and they proliferated into a palm grove. Then he asked Olorun for some light, and the old father created for him a whole Sun.
Being around animals and plants was also sad, Obatala decided to create humans from clay and asked Olorun to breathe life into them. However, due to his thirst, Obatala drank palm wine, causing him to get drunk and create several people with disabilities. Regretfully, he decided to become the guardian deity for the disabled. So Obatala lingered on the earth, becoming king of Ife, rejoicing among men. He taught them to work and rule the prosperous kingdom of Ife. Many years passed, he missed home and climbed up the golden chain to fly to the sky.
Olodumare, the greatest god, was Yemaya's father. Yemaya was thought to be the eldest daughter of Olodumare, the Creator of the Universe. Yemayá is the patron of the Ogun River (in Nigeria), however, she is not restricted to that body of water. Her devotees are free to worship Yemayá at any point where there is flowing water.
She is shown as a mermaid, capable of easily entering any body of water. Yemaya emerges in flowing garments of vivid blue and white, glistening with the light of the sun. These are her favorite colors because they remind her of the ocean's beautiful blue waves and seafoam. She is frequently shown wearing a robe with seven skirts representing the Seven Seas. She is also shown as a mermaid, with a gorgeous blue tail swimming over the sea with pearls and a starfish necklace. Her spiritual symbols include shells, pearls, and everything silvery.
Yemayá is regarded as the protective spirit of pregnancy. She keeps an eye on them and guards them, creating a safe working environment. She is also connected with amniotic fluid, which protects her infants from the harsh hazards of the world.
Oshun is an important river deity among the Yoruba people, the goddess of love, fertility, beauty, and sexuality in Yoruba mythology, as well as the guardian goddess of the Oshun River. Goddess Oshun is depicted as a young, beautiful, and charming woman. Sometimes she even manifests as a mermaid. She has a penchant for sun-colored glitter, so in her paintings, Oshun often wears yellow dresses and wears a lot of jewelry. Not only that, everything that is golden in life such as orange, bread, honey, amber, etc. is her symbol.
She is said to be one of the children of the Supreme god Olorun who was sent to the earth to protect humanity. Oshun married the fire god Shango and became the most beloved wife because of her beauty, popularity, and excellent cooking skills. This makes Oba, a river nymph and another wife of Shango, jealous. Legend has it that the jealousy between the two goddesses is the cause of the rivers to appear violent whirlpools.
Except for the jealousy scenes with Shango's other two wives, second-grandmother Oshun is also a very good god to humans. When the Earth was still unspoiled, newly created by Obatala, the creature was still unable to thrive, the gods had to rely on Oshun. She created freshwater streams that covered the world, helping plants and animals to thrive. Legend has it that she turned into a peacock herself, flew to the supreme god Olodumare to ask him to relieve the drought and bring rain back to people. Africans think that flowing water means she is dancing, the sound of water murmuring is her voice, dipping sand in the river to find gold is finding the goddess Oshun to ask for some jewelry. Therefore, she is also considered the goddess of life and fertility.
However, being the one who gives life, she can also take it away. Once she was angry, Oshun would flood the crops, or cause the river to dry up, causing drought. That's why people have to pray to her so that she can calm down, not cause natural disasters, and help her crops get bountiful.
Shango can be said to be the most scandalous god in Yoruba mythology, the male thunder god, the son of Agayu and Yemoja. Shango has three wives, the eldest Oshun, the second Obba, and the third Oya. Each woman lives in a separate house, Shango visits them every day and the ladies always try to compete for favors very intensely.
Shango has 6 eyes, sometimes described as having 3 heads, in his hands, he holds a pair of axes that shoot thunder. The closest human image of this god is a man-made of iron (not that close to human!) with an ax weapon and flaming eyes in a red cloak. He often thunders down the wicked and protects the weak. This is also the god who symbolizes music, parties, and indulgence in parties. The colors representing this god are red and white, accompanied by symbols such as spicy food, strong alcohol, metal. Wild animals such as tigers, leopards, crocodiles are also considered mascots of this god
Shango's children are born with a cross on their tongue, they will grow up to be very healthy, wise, and proud, provided they do not cut their hair until the age of 12, otherwise, all their powers will disappear. They are called the Bamboche I - messengers of Shango.
Another legend says that Shango was not the son of Yemoja, but was originally a powerful and violent king of the Oyo Empire. It is rumored that Shango says he screams fire. However, he was not pleased when the people praised his two closest generals, Timi and Goenka. Unable to bear it, Shango plotted to make Timi and Gbonka confront each other in a fierce battle. Gbonka won the battle beheading Timi, after which Shango burned Gbonka alive. But Gbonka did not die, bravely stepped out of the fire, threatening Shango to run into the forest and commit suicide under the ayan tree. That night thunder filled the sky and destroyed all the houses of Shango's enemies. Fearful, the people built a temple to Shango, worshiping him as the God of Thunder.
Oya, is the goddess of the storm, the guardian of the Oya River (ie the Niger River), sometimes also the goddess guarding the gate to the dead. Oya is Shango's third wife, and also the most favored concubine by her husband. A couple like a couple Bonnie & Clyde always go together to guide the people, the husband calls the thunder, the wife calls the stormy wind, together with sweeping away all roads.
Oya is also the deity representing female fertility, magic, divination. She is also considered the goddess of the mystical world, of death, and of ancestors. Her symbols are often fruits such as plums, purple grapes, star fruit, symbolizing the secret of childbirth and the beauty of a woman. She is also the protector of livestock with all kinds of wealth such as cattle, goats, sheep.
Oya was originally an antelope turned elf, able to shed her animal skin and transform into a beautiful girl. Every 5 days, she transforms into a beautiful herding girl wearing 9 copper bracelets and goes to the market to buy things, there she meets Shango, making him fall in love. Shango chases after Oya, but she secretly transforms into an antelope and escapes. The next day Shango hid in the forest, saw Oya shed the animal skin and turn into a human, so he rushed to hide the antelope skin. Oya can no longer turn into an antelope and agrees to be Shango's wife.
Another story tells the ending that, shortly after she became the god's wife, Oya became pregnant with twins, so she was jealous of Shango's two wives (twin children are extremely worshiped and respected by Africans). They showed her where Shango hid the antelope skin, and she turned back into an antelope and ran away.
Generally, you can call on the energy of African Powers anytime you need help overcoming problems and growing spiritually. You may also channel their energy to motivate you in many aspects of your life. These wonderful energies are available to everyone.
When summoning 1-2 souls separately, these Orishas may be at odds with one another. However, when summoned in unison, these seven Orishas will collaborate to assist the summoner. There are several ways to summon African Powers, including prayer, the use of candles, soap, and oil.
Candles frequently show all seven saints at the same time because it generates a pleasant and uniting aura. Light one candle every day for 7 days to summon all 7 Orishas. When you light the candle and pray, you are summoning the energy of the Orishas and encompassing all of your surroundings to bring fortune and safety.
You may also utilize oils, incense, and soaps made with the energy of the 7 African Powers to bless any ceremony or spell you perform. Anoint your locks, purses, lights, automobiles, and bodies with the oil to beg for their blessings and protection. While praying, lighting oil is like making a tribute to these spirits. To begin your day, wash using African Powers soap to eliminate any negative energy.
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Hope you have acquired some useful knowledge about the seven powers of Africa. The gods, regardless of religion and country, all came from the thoughts, wishes, and aspirations of people as well as helping them to explain the mysterious natural phenomena at that time.
Experiencing the loss of slavery, African mythology has lost many of its precious meanings. Currently, there are many diverse rituals in the worship of these symbols, the meaning of the rituals is also distorted. If you intend to summon and engage with the Seven African Powers for healing, plenty, fertility, and so on, you should do it with regard and respect. Appreciating ancestral values is a premise for any nation to progress further in development to the most comprehensive.
]]>Apart from Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are major festivals for African Americans and Jews. Many individuals mistake Kwanzaa for Black Christmas or Hanukkah for Jewish Christmas. The fact is that the history, meaning, and celebration of these two festivals are quite different from the traditional Christmas day festivities.
Despite the distinctions, a sizable American population conducts two rituals in addition to Christmas. Typically, families in the Austria will observe Hanukkah for eight days, Christmas for two days, and Kwanzaa a week later. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are also the reason why people greet each other Happy Holidays rather than Merry Christmas throughout the holiday season.
You might wonder, what makes these festivals so special? Let's learn about the sacred meaning of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah with vlexbilling blog!
Stay tuned!
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is widely observed by the Jewish community. Non-Jewish people also celebrate it. Hanukkah begins on 25 Kislev and concludes on 2 or 3 Tevet, according to the Jewish calendar. People that celebrate Hanukkah engage in a variety of traditions. Lighting candles, on the other hand, is one of the most popular Hanukkah customs.
This event commemorates the recapture of Jerusalem in the second century BCE. It was reclaimed during the start of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Because of the traditions that the people observe and conduct, this event is also known as the festival of lights.
According to the Book of Maccabees, the legend of Hanukkah goes somewhat like this. When King Antiochus III the Great of Syria conquered Judah, he permitted the inhabitants to keep their customs and faith. However, in 175 BC, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Antiochus III's son, invaded Judea, destroying their land and looting their temples.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes commanded the construction of a Zeus altar in the Second Temple and forbade anybody from practicing Judaism. A Jewish priest named Mattathias and his five sons staged a rebellion against the King. Following Mattathias' death, Judah, his final son, took over as leader. Their uprising was victorious by 165 BC, and Judah and his followers freed the Second Temple.
Following the temple's washing and purification, the people searched for pure olive oil to light the traditional Jewish candle or Menorah. They could only locate one sealed and pure flash, stamped with the High Priest's Seal. Because it took eight days to clean and purify the oil, there was insufficient oil to maintain the candle for that long. The oil, on the other hand, lasted eight days, which was seen as a miracle. This miracle is commemorated through the eight days of Hanukkah, as well as the burning of the candles for the eight nights.
During Hanukkah, customs include lighting candles each night, singing songs, reciting prayers, eating fried and dairy dishes, giving gifts, and playing a game called "dreidel." In Hebrew, the term "Hanukkah" literally means "dedication" or "to devote." There are numerous additional interpretations of the word's origin.
For eight days, people celebrate this holiday and find delight in completing the rites. People have the opportunity to spend meaningful time with their loved ones. This not only brings people together but also honors the religion's rich past. People love completing these traditions and consider this time of year to be joyful.
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration observed in the Austria. It is observed from the 26th of December to the 1st of January and is frequently combined with Christmas and New Year's. Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966, and it was first observed that year. Kwanzaa derives its name from the Swahili word "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits of the harvest." This celebration honors the harvest customs practiced by people in many areas of Africa.
It is a celebration honoring the African-American community and assisting them in reconnecting with their African culture and historical roots. The celebration is entirely based on the many harvest rituals practiced throughout Africa. It is a multi-ethnic and cultural celebration. People share presents and celebrate their unity, creativity, faith, heritage, and culture.
People participate in many traditions during Kwanzaa, such as singing songs, dancing, classic African drumming, storytelling, and poetry recital, eating delicacies, and so on. People from Africa experienced prejudice, and Maulana Karenga established this holiday for black people to enjoy a celebration that is distinct from the festivals celebrated by the dominant society.
Although Karenga founded the festival as an alternative to other faiths, he immediately altered his mind, claiming that it is not meant to supplant any religion and that people may celebrate Kwanzaa alongside Christmas and other religious holidays. As a result, individuals do not need to be religious to enjoy this festival.
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration that commemorates seven principles. The concept to celebrate Kwanzaa is fixed by a few symbols with their own unique thoughts such as Kinara and Misumaa Saba (7 candles), Mkeka (African table mat pattern), Mazao (a bowl filled with fruits and nuts), Muhindi (Corn ears), Kikombe cha Umoja (The Cup of Sharing), Zawadi (Deep-rooted homemade gifts), a poster of the seven principles, and a black, red, and green flag.
The symbols were created to express the seven principles as follows:
Kwanzaa allows people to spend meaningful time with their loved ones. This not only brings people together but also honors the community's rich heritage. People love completing these rituals and consider this to be a joyful celebration.
Although the two festivities are extremely distinct and originated from very different causes, there are some parallels between the two disciplines. Commitment is a fundamental and significant topic in both ceremonies. The characteristics of the concepts raised on these two occasions are likewise identical.
Let’s dig in!
They also feature symbolic forms of light and are celebrated for almost the same number of days - seven days from December 26 to January 1 for Kwanzaa, and eight nights for Hanukkah - generally beginning approximately a week before Christmas.
Jews light the menorah for eight days to commemorate their resistance to foreign tyrants who seized Jewish territory in Israel. African descendants celebrate Kwanzaa by lighting the kinara for 7 days to remind themselves about their origin, past, present, and future.
The kinara itself signifies the heritage of the African-American community. Each of the kinara's seven flames represents one of the seven Kwanzaa ideals. Three of the seven candles are red, signifying a fight through slavery, colonization, and modern-day persecution. Three are green, representing the land and an optimistic future. One is black, representing all people of African ancestry. This is also the color of the Kwanzaa flag, reflecting its African origins.
The menorah, which comprises eight different candles, is the main Hanukkah symbol and is frequently utilized. Every evening, light with just a little oil will be lit to memorialize the miracle from the desecrated Temple. The light of Hanukkah candles symbolizes illumination, faith, and hope for a better future.
A sense of spirituality and connection to past, heritage, or ancestors is also shared by Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa emblems include a candleholder and seven (7) candles, which reflect the African ancestors' roots and the seven (7) Kwanzaa basic values respectively. These seven (7) principles are intended to serve as a foundation and guide for the African diaspora to develop a strong, prosperous, and fulfilling life while remaining connected to their heritage. While not religious, the ideals of Kwanzaa are intended to create in persons a deep feeling of spirituality. Kwanzaa strives to foster spirituality in individuals so that they can gain self-confidence and establish their self-identity via a connection to their heritage.
Similarly, over the eight days of Hanukkah, there are taboos and rituals, feasts and prayers that commemorate the Jews' struggle for their recognition. Hanukkah is also a chance for Jews to reflect on the history of liberation, the force of hope, the deliberate togetherness of the community, and the miracles that maintain life.
For Black Jew, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah may have even more interesting intersections. The Maccabees banded together to revolt against tyranny, much as Blacks did as slaves and as activists for justice, equality, and human rights. Kwanzaa reminds people of the significance of preserving and nurturing community, as well as supporting one another, for our people to prosper economically and spiritually (ujamaa). Judaism's culture also promotes communal solidarity, financial independence, economic success, and budgetary discipline.
Furthermore, giving (tzedakah) is a key value in Jewish culture since it guarantees that everyone does their share to make the world a better place. Kwanzaa emphasizes the spirit of humanity and generosity as well. Along with the Macabbeas battle, the black community's struggle is all about genuine liberty, and it inspires people to strive for freedom, equality, commercial feasibility, harmony, and love.
Christian Christmas may be the most prevalent festival, but it's not the default for everyone. As a multi-ethnic country, America is full of different cultures, communities, and beliefs that shouldn’t be assimilated.
Kwanzaa is seen as a cultural celebration that empowers African Americans by demonstrating that they, too, have a thriving culture and rich customs. Kwanzaa celebrates black people's intrinsic value as African Americans. Black individuals may connect to African culture by participating in Kwanzaa ceremonies. Similarly, in a culture preoccupied with Christmas, celebrating Hanukkah is a means to express values and beliefs other than Christianity. Like Kwanzaa and Christmas, it's high time to treasure the bonds with friends and family, respecting the preservation of the Jewish population and oppressing over-integration.
By celebrating these festivals, the remembrance of the community's uniqueness, as well as the ancestral heritage, will prevent these precious values from being disappeared.
The world in which we humans dwell is extremely diversified and one-of-a-kind. People from many religions and communities living in different regions gave birth to many groups and religions. Each has its own way of celebrating heritage and holidays. On the other hand, several festivals are so popular that they are held regularly all over the world.
I hope you have acquired some fascinating facts about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah from this article. Remember that you may celebrate any occasion you desire, regardless of your skin color, gender, faith, or culture. If you are asked to a Kwanzaa or Hanukkah feast, do not hesitate to attend. That implies the host wholeheartedly treasures and cherishes you!
Enjoy festivals, these holidays are all about happiness and wealth.
Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa!
]]>Kwanzaa is a one-of-a-kind festival that reminds African-Americans and pan-Africans of their traditional culture. You may have considered this event as a typical black holiday, but not everyone appreciates the true significance of this celebration.
This festival not only reminds blacks of their ancestry and roots, but also symbolizes the African American community's distinct goals, ambitions, and traditions. It is an incentive to reflect on that culture and to continue to build on it by deliberate life.
To assist you in having a genuinely meaningful week with friends and family, we've compiled a list of preparatory tips that will make your Kwanzaa even more exciting this year 💃🏾🕺🏾
Contrary to popular belief about the long and deep roots of this festival, Kwanzaa was founded in 1966. The founder of this festival is Professor Maulana Karenga, chairman of Black studies at California State University, who devoted his life to finding ways to maintain the traditional identities of Afro culture under the strong assimilation of American culture.
Kwanzaa was created during the tumultuous times of 1960s Los Angeles, following the Watts riots of 1965. In 1965, rough treatment by a young African-American man on suspicion of drunk driving led to an outbreak of violence. Karenga called Kwanzaa’s creation an act of cultural discovery, which simply means that he wants to direct African Americans to greater knowledge of their African heritage and past.
Kwanzaa's meaning is inspired by the African tradition of celebrating the very first crop, and its word originates from the Swahili word "matunda ya kwanza" which implies "first fruit" of the yield. Although the East African nations were not involved in the transatlantic slave trade, Karenga's decision to use a Swahili term to name the celebration was symbolic of the pervasiveness of ethnocentrism.
Rooted in the struggles and interests of the civil power and black power movements of the 1950s and 1960s, this festival was a way to define a unique black American identity. For black civil rights movements, the establishment of Kwanzaa can be considered just as fundamental as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Kwanzaa is their answer to their suffering from the prevalence of white cultural practices that radically oppress them like Jim Crow law.
As a result, a week-long cultural festival honoring family, friends, and Afro ancestry was formed. Kwanzaa, despite its modern years, is celebrated by millions of Black Americans in the Austria from December 26 to January 1.
Kwanzaa is not associated with any significant faith like Christmas, Ramadan, or Hanukkah. It is recognized for the deepest values of a community and society that are conveyed through its ritual. Kwanzaa is now widely appreciated in the Austria. On the other hand, this ritual is also widely accepted in Canada, the Caribbean, and other parts of the African immigrant community.
Although Kwanzaa was created to give Blacks an alternative to the current holiday and allow blacks to honor themselves and their history, rather than just imitating the customs of the dominant society, this holiday quarreled for recognition in its early years.
Although it was adopted by some urban populations, many Christians and Muslims saw the secular celebration as incompatible with their beliefs. The introduction of Kwanzaa coincided with the disintegration of the Us Organization, which included Karenga's 1971 trial and incarceration for torturing two women he suspected of attempting to poison him.
Nonetheless, Kwanzaa continued to grow by word of mouth, and the holiday became renowned as a celebration of Black family life as a result. Kwanzaa made a mark on mainstream Black culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s thanks to its support from some influential journals. In a December 1976 issue of Jet, actor Roger Mosley defined Kwanzaa as a replacement to a commercialized Christmas as he claimed that “this event is more in line with the direction I want my children to go.”
Kwanzaa gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. Instead of replacing Christmas, the majority began to recognize Kwanzaa as a way to boost their festive season. In 1983, an found that most African-Americans show appreciation and connection to their roots through the way they organize Kwanzaa. Besides the traditions of celebrating Christmas and other activities, the adoption of other ceremonial activities by Kwanzaa is seen as an interesting and meaningful cultural reception.
that: “At a time when we are seeking ways to revitalize our neighborhoods and empower those who have been powerless for too long, Kwanzaa encourages us to rebuild and celebrate the strengths of the African American community. " In 1997, the U.S. Postal Service issued its first Kwanzaa stamp.
By the 2010s, however, statistics point out that fewer and fewer Black families consider organizing Kwanzaa celebration. There are many reasons given for the refusal to perform this ritual. The first is that this is not a national holiday, so students and working people are often not allowed to take this long holiday.
Besides, the widespread access to the Internet by young black people has sparked many conflicts and controversies surrounding the origin of this holiday. Many people still view Kwanzaa as a “made-up holiday” because of its fresh and bizarre history, and because of the heterogeneity and spontaneity of the way, it is prepared, making this festival increasingly trivial.
In recent years, despite the strong return of the black movement, the number of people organizing this festival has drastically dropped. USA Today reported that in 2019, merely who were on winter holiday said that they would celebrate Kwanzaa.
However, in 2020—after another period of racial unrest over the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor as well as the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, sense of origins and traditional festivals is growing. tend to come back strongly. No matter how many people celebrate this festival, Kwanzaa has become a part of American history and always will be.
The organization of Kwanzaa is not mandatory and rigid, but the festival is a rare occasion for the black descendants to remember the original values of Africa as well as the history of the struggle of African Americans.
Although there are many different ways of celebrating Kwanzaa varies from separating areas, in general, the celebration of Kwanzaa still requires the performer to prepare the following symbols:
The seven candles represent the seven principles of the Kwanzaa or the Nguzo Saba ritual, which are derived from the meanings of the ancient African festival. However, the color and meaning of the Kwanzaa candles have been modified to fit African American history and represent the ideals of this community.
The three red candles represent the civil rights movement with struggles, losses, and sacrifices. The three green candles represent hope for the future generations. The single black candle in the center symbolizes the unity of the African diaspora around the world.
Decorate the space with Kwanzaa flags, known as Bendera, and posters stressing the seven principles to celebrate the spirit of Kwanzaa. Consider making these flags with your children. It seems thrilling spending time with your toddlers.
The Kwanzaa flag is black, red, and green in hue. Marcus Garvey first defined these colors as the colors of liberation and solidarity. Similar to the Kwanzaa candle meaning, black represents people, red represents their struggles, and green represents the future and hope of their struggle. This is the hue of the African flag as well. In addition to the Bendera, if you or your kids love making flags, consider making African national or tribal flags.
In Kwanzaa, greeting is a fascinating ritual. Beginning on December 26, greet everyone with "Habari Gani," a customary Swahili salutation that means "what's the news?"
If someone greets you, answer with the following rule (Nguzo Saba) on a routine basis:
Non-Afro people are also invited to join in the greetings. "Joyous Kwanzaa" is indeed the customary greeting for them.
Following the 7 principles and meanings of Kwanzaa, candles with different meanings will have a corresponding order of lighting. Each day of Kwanzaa week you will have to light new candles in the prescribed order. The black candle will always be lit first. Then the red and green candles will be lit from the outside in turn, a red candle should be mixed with a green candle respectively.
However, there are also some regions where it is customary to light candles from red to green in turn.
Select some of the following activities to do throughout Kwanzaa week, reserving the banquet for the sixth day. Kwanzaa celebrations may include:
The Kwanzaa feast is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for everyone to reconnect with their African heritage. It is typically celebrated on December 31st and is a collaborative and communal endeavor.
Decorate the location of the feast with a red, green, and black color scheme. The room where the feast will be hosted should be dominated by a big Kwanzaa setting. A big Mkeka should be put in the center of the floor, with the food attractively displayed and easily accessible to everybody.
An educational and engaging program should be provided both before and during the feast. The performance should conventionally include greeting, remembrance, reappraisal, strong commitment, and joy, followed by a goodbye speech and a call for greater togetherness.
Beverages are to be distributed from a communal cup, the Kikombe cha Umoja, which is handed around to all festivities during the meal.
Finally, presents (Zawadi) are placed on the table. Kuumba, which means "creativity," is strongly encouraged and provides a sense of accomplishment.
The presents are typically exchanged between parents and children and are customarily distributed on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa. The gifts are a commitment of love from parents to their children and also of protection, knowledge, and hope to be given to future generations.
Because the giving of presents is so closely associated with Kuumba, the gifts should be educational or artistic in nature. These are often designated for children and are either handcrafted or have some cultural value, such as a history book or heritage emblem.
Let’s rock your Kwanzaa👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾!!!
Last but not least, the ultimate activity for Kwanzaa night is: Spend your precious time wisely. Every family honors Kwanzaa in their own distinctive manner, so spend the family vacation and commemorate your African ancestry in any way you wish to.
Keep in mind, all festivals are celebrated so that we can enjoy time off with our family and treasure the original values of our roots.
2021 is a turbulent and messy year, but just like the green Kwanzaa candles’ meaning, we will always see hope even in the darkest place.
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