Kwanzaa – Wings of Oneness

The Creator Supreme blessed the Afrikan with the superlative gift of knowingness of the sacred universe. Through their powerful mythology and symbology the Afrikan profoundly articulates phenomena of the sacred universe to lift Afrikan life to its fullest. Many essential life lessons are contained within the flow of the Afrikans’ wisdom-filled mythos that can guide day-to-day living. Certainly, the wonderful observance of Kwanzaa is a time when much deeply meaningful and progressive symbology is brought to the fore. One the many arenas of symbology that punctuates all-year-round Afrikan life  cultivation is that of the bird. Here follows a select array of birds from the Afrikan pantheon with associations made by this author to each principle of the Nguzo Saba. Referred here collectively as the Wings of Oneness:

Umoja (Unity)

The wings of Maat are of the Ostrich and represent the divine living of the Afrikan in Ukweli (Truth), Jaji (Justice), Haki (Righteousness), Kubadilishana (Reciprocity), Usawa (Balance), Maelewano (Harmony) and Ili (Order). These divine virtues elevate the Afrikan soul in its journeying toward ever-greater perfectibility in the oneness of the Creator Supreme. As Afrikan souls continue the imperative ascent with Maat the alien forces of disfunction embodied by Isfet, Yurugu or otherwise are vanquished.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

The fish eagle is a symbol of great power and strength. It has the ability to assist the Afrikan in challenge and is forthright in its attainment of victorious goals. Its talons are mighty and foes are vanquished if they dare attack.  

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibilty)

The Sankofa bird is a bird that powerfully represents the Afrikan continuum of ever-living wisdom. This bird carries the command of looking back to know, in order to have knowingness of the present and thus project a knowledgeable future. This is imperative and victorious acumen for collective work and responsibility.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

Hondo or Crowned Hornbill is bird that can bring good fortune and energise wealth. It is said to mirror Afrikan life in a number of ways.  It is also a bird of warning or caution for there are alien forces ever poised to crush, steal or otherwise derail Afrikan resources.

Nia (Purpose)

The Ba Bird represents the Ba (World Soul and Breath) one of the nine parts of the Afrikan soul. The Ba is the spirit force that exists in the self and throughout the universe. It represents the divine flow of profound interconnectivity and oneness. It is the breath of life necessary to sustain the body and holds the continuity of life inherited from one generation to the next.

Kuumba (Creativity)

The Benu Benu Bird is a bird that represents Creation itself.  It is self-creating and regenerative. It flourishing in cycles of many centuries after which it is consumed in flames to be reborn and flourish again. It is from ultimate source of creation from which the Afrikan is energised to create.  

Imani  (Faith)

Heru Falcon is a bird of exceptional vision that soars aloft in unconquerable victory and righteous governance. The right eye of the Heru Falcon represents the Sun and the left eye represents the Moon. Afrikan male and female harmonious complimentarity  in the ascension of the Afrikan nation is reflected in this powerful bird.

These birds of Afrikan oneness and elevation are key throughout the annual cycle of progressive and productive living. Hostile alien forces of the disruption seek to destroy the natural harvest of divine empowerment that comes from the substance of these birds can also be manifest. Alien wickedness is represented in birdlife with the Impundulo. Of course, with the power and might of the righteous flock or legion of righteousness detailed in association with the Nguzo Saba Impundulo has no option other than to take flight and flee in surrender. The Wings of Afrikan oneness will forever prevail.  

During the observance of Kwanzaa creative expressions/depictions of the Wings of Oneness can be included in the festivities. For example, creatively designed decorations can feature in the celebratory decor of a home or otherwise.