An African American Celebration
on December 26 and lasting for 7 days, Kwanzaa is an African American
holiday. It reinforces community, family and good social values through
Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday in
terms of most celebrations held at this time of year, but it is celebrated by
millions and is a fast growing holiday. It first started in 1966, when Dr.
Maulana Karenga thought up the idea. He was concerned at the loss of identity of
The African American people, and wanted a celebration of their cultural heritage
and roots. It is far more than just a celebration, though. It is a way of
bringing the community together, teaching younger members to be proud of whom
they are and reaffirm the commitment to family and community.
It begins on December 26 and lasts for seven days, ending on January 1. For
each day there is a different principle, or theme, to think about and discuss.
The ideas and origin of the Kwanzaa celebrations come from an ancient African
tradition of celebrating the first fruits. The word Kawanza comes from Swahili,
a widely spoken African language. The names of the seven principles and the
Kwanzaa greetings are all in Swahili. This is because it does not reflect one
particular African nation or group, and so can be used by all.
The Seven Principles
Each day a different principle is celebrated and thought about.
- Ujimah (oo-MO-jah) or unity. It is to remind people to come
together as a family, community, nation and race.
- Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah)
or self-determination. To have a separate identity, and to let others know
- Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) or
cooperation and working together. Helping to build a community and solve
- Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) or
supporting one another. To build businesses and places of work especially to
support others in the community
- Nia (NEE-yah) or purpose.
To rebuild the community ties and maintain them.
- Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) or
creativity. To improve the community and make it a better and more beautiful
- Imani (ee-MAH-nee) or faith
in the leaders and the community.
The pronunciation is in brackets, with emphasis being placed
on the sound in capital letters. You will learn about why the words have
different colors, as you read on.
This holiday has many symbols. There is a candleholder that holds seven
candles. The center candle is black, to symbolize the face of the African
people. On the left of the black candle are three red candles, and on the right
are three green ones. The red symbolizes the blood of the African people and the
green is for the land and the hope of new life.
The candleholder (kinara) should be placed on a table. First, the table
should be covered with a piece of African cloth, preferably with the black, red
and green colors. Then a straw mat (mkeka) is placed on the table. The
candleholder is then placed on the mat. For every child an ear of corn (muhindi)
is also placed on the mat. Even if there are no children in the family, there
should be two ears of corn. This is because in African culture every adult is
meant to be a social parent to all the children in the community. There is also
a cup known as the cup of unity (kikombe cha umoja).
Each day the family gathers to discuss the principle of the day. They can
gather in their home, or several families may gather together in one home, or a
large meeting hall. Traditionally the youngest person lights the candle. On the
first day the black candle is lit, and the first principle is discussed (umoja).
Everyone can talk about what it means to them, how they try to practice it, and
how other people practice it and how it helps the entire community. Then there
can be a discussion on how they can continue to practice it throughout the year,
and activities based on the principle of the day. After the discussion is
complete, the candle is put out. On the next day the black candle is lit again,
and then a candle for the next principle, Kujichagulia. If you look back at the
list of principles, you will see this one is written n red, so a red candle is
lit. The next day the black candle, the red one and a green one are lit, and so
on, until on the seventh day all seven candles are lit.
There is a feast, usually held on December 31. It is called the Karumu. At
the feast there is dancing, story telling a talk about Kwanzaa and plenty of
fun. At the feast everyone drinks from the Cup of Unity. Gifts may also be
exchanged. Although gifts are not necessary to the celebration, they are often
given, mainly to children. They should include a book and heritage symbol. The
most treasured gifts are the homemade crafts. The food that is eaten at the
feast should be authentic African recipes, no hot dogs and hamburgers!
Although Kwanzaa is only celebrated for seven days, its principles are
carried on throughout the year. The seven days are to remind everyone of how
they should live their lives throughout the coming year.