Happy Kwanzaa! - Celebrate the Future with Corn

You don’t often think about holidays being created, but that’s just what happened 40 years ago when Dr. Maulana Karenga celebrated the first Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa has its origins in the African celebrations of the first harvest. The phrase "matunda ya kwanza"is Swahili for first fruits and one of the symbols placed on the holiday table is some form of fruits and vegetables, Mazao, to represent the roots of the holiday. Another is Vibunzi/Muhindi, ears of corn: one ear to represent each child.

Though it’s not quite corn growing season most places, seed catalogs are out and it’s not too soon to start planning. Afterall, the corn on the table at Kwanzaa is symbolic of the future. With that in mind, here are some tips for growing your own corn.

Photo: 'Ruby Queen' Corn © W. Atlee Burpee Company. Used with Permission.