Fun Facts about Kwanzaa

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Kwanzaa began in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Dr. Karenga was concerned at the loss of identity of The African American people and wanted a celebration of their cultural heritage and roots.

This holiday reinforces community, family and good social values. The community comes together to teach young people to be proud of who they are and reaffirm the commitment to family and community. Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and lasts for seven days.

The word kwanzaa is Swahili. The origin comes from an ancient African tradition of celebrating the first fruits.

Principles

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Each day of Kwanzaa has a different theme or value.

Umoja (unity) To come together as a family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination) To have a separate identity and to let others know about it.

Ujima (cooperation) To build a community and solve problems together.

Ujamaa (support) To build business and places of work especially to support others in the community.

Nia (purpose) To rebuild the community ties and maintain them.

Kuumba (creativity) To improve the community and make it a better and more beautiful place.

Imani (Faith) In the leaders and the community.

Symbols

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This holiday has many symbols.

The candleholder, or the kinara, holds seven candles.

The center candle is black to symbolize the face of the African people. Three red candles (symbolizing the blood of the people) are to the left, and three green candles (symbolizing the land and hope of new life) are to the right.

A table is covered with a piece of African cloth. On top of the cloth is a straw mat, or mkeka. The kinara is placed on the mat.

For every child, an ear of corn, or muhindi, is placed on the mat. There is also a cup of unity (kikombe cha umoja)

Celebration

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Each day, the family, or several families, gather to discuss the principle of the day. Traditionally, the youngest person lights the candle. Starting with the black candle in the center.

After the discussion, the candle is put out.

The next day, the black candle is lit again, and then a red candle for the next principle. The red and green candles are alternated on the remaining nights.

On the last night, a karumu, or feast is held. Authentic African food, dancing, story telling and stories about Kwanzaa. Everyone drinks from the Cup of Unity. Gifts of books, heritage symbols, and homemade crafts are usually given to the children. Some celebrations may include drumming and musical selections.

 Decorations

                           

  

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Homes are decorated with objects of art and colorful African cloth such as kente.

Celebrants wear dashiki (shirt or suit) Kaftans (dress) and Kufi (cap) made of the cloth. 

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In 2009, the first film about Kwanzaa was a documentary The Black Candle, narrated by Maya Angelou.

The greeting is ‘Joyous Kwanzaa.'

Previous posts: Christmas and Hanukkah

Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Why don't you share your favorite tradition with us all?