Let’s mark something bigger than Christmas

As the world prepares to celebrate Christmas with pomp and splendour, it is worth pausing to reflect on the essence of this occasion and its relevance to those who partake in it. For many, Christmas is less about the birth of Christ and more about a commercialised, global festival marked by extravagant spending, indulgence, and cultural imitation. This raises a deeper question for African societies. Do such borrowed celebrations truly resonate with our identity, or are they a continuation of cultural assimilation that obscures our own heritage?

Africa is a continent rich in traditions, spiritual beliefs, and communal practices that reflect its diverse cultures. However, many of these are relegated to the margins, deemed incompatible with modernity or insufficiently universal to merit widespread recognition. The result is a cultural vacuum that is often filled by imported celebrations, whether Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day. These occasions, while enjoyable, do little to affirm Africa’s unique identity or foster a sense of shared humanity rooted in our historical and cultural realities.

Ubuntu Day could serve as a unifying celebration for Africans, a day to honour the spirit of togetherness, humanity, and shared history. Rooted in the Southern African philosophy of “Ubuntu”, meaning “I am because we are”, this celebration would transcend religious, tribal, and national boundaries, embracing the interconnectedness that defines the African experience. Ubuntu, a profound value system emphasising mutual care and collective well-being, could form the foundation for an annual cultural event that reflects the continent’s aspirations and heritage. 

Celebrated annually on December 26th or another significant date, Ubuntu Day would provide an alternative to externally rooted holidays like Christmas. The day would embody the richness of African traditions, blending cultural pride with a collective vision for the future. Across towns and cities, communities could come alive with festivals showcasing traditional music, dance, cuisine, and attire.

At its heart, Ubuntu Day would encourage acts of kindness and service, bringing the philosophy of Ubuntu into practice. Families, friends, and neighbours could dedicate time to helping those in need, engaging in community projects, and resolving conflicts to foster peace. It would be a day for demonstrating that humanity is strongest when united, reinforcing the belief that each person’s well-being contributes to the collective good. These acts would highlight the importance of giving back, cultivating a spirit of generosity and empathy. 

Ubuntu Day’s inclusivity would make it a powerful tool for unity. It would not belong to any single religion, ethnicity, or nation but rather to all Africans, offering a space where cultural differences could be celebrated as strengths. The day would also resonate with the African diaspora and allies worldwide, inviting them to join in a celebration of shared humanity. As Ubuntu is already recognised globally as a philosophy of interconnectedness, the celebration could extend beyond Africa’s borders, inspiring others to embrace the values it represents. 

Ubuntu Day would mark a turning point in the cultural narrative of Africa. It would not only honour the continent’s past but also chart a path toward a future defined by unity, compassion, and shared purpose. In celebrating Ubuntu, Africans would affirm their belief in the strength of community and their commitment to working together for a better tomorrow. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This is not a call to reject Christmas or any other global celebration. Instead, it is an invitation to introspection. What would it mean for African societies to establish an annual celebration that speaks to our collective humanity, honours our values, and strengthens our bonds as a people?

— The writer is a PhD Student in International Relations-