英语课程计划-Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that is celebrated¹ around the world. It takes place between December the 26th and January the 1st every year. The holiday celebrates African culture and history. Kwanzaa started in 1966 in the U.S.A. It was the first holiday just for African Americans. Ron Karenga, an African-American civil rights campaigner, created the seven-day holiday. He said it was to give Americans of African descent an opportunity to celebrate their unique heritage. He wanted a holiday that did not “simply imitate the practice of the dominant³ [white] society”. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means “first fruits”. Many Americans celebrate Kwanzaa alongside other holidays that take place at the same time. Ron Karenga said: “All people can share in the celebration of our common humanity.”

Kwanzaa celebrates Nguzu Saba, which means "The Seven Principles of Blackness". Each of the seven days represents a different principle. The principles are unity², self-determination, working together, cooperating in business, building the nation, creativity, and faith. People who celebrate Kwanzaa light candles in a special candle holder⁴ called a kinara. People decorate their homes in African colours and put up pieces of African art. Some people attend a Kwanzaa ceremony that has African drumming and music. One of the most important parts of Kwanzaa is a special feast called a karamu. Family and friends get together and celebrate who they are. If you go to a karamu, you should say “Habari gani,” which is Swahili for “What’s news?”

1 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

2 unity   

n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调

参考例句：

• When we speak of unity,we do not mean unprincipled peace.所谓团结，并非一团和气。
• We must strengthen our unity in the face of powerful enemies.大敌当前，我们必须加强团结。

3 dominant   

adj.支配的，统治的；占优势的；显性的；n.主因，要素，主要的人(或物)；显性基因

参考例句：

• The British were formerly dominant in India.英国人从前统治印度。
• She was a dominant figure in the French film industry.她在法国电影界是个举足轻重的人物。

4 holder   

n.持有者，占有者；(台，架等)支持物

参考例句：

• The holder of the office of chairman is reponsible for arranging meetings.担任主席职位的人负责安排会议。
• That runner is the holder of the world record for the hundred-yard dash.那位运动员是一百码赛跑世界纪录的保持者。