- Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration from December 26th-Janurary 1st.
- Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday.
- Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate and honor African culture and to also inspire African-Americans.
- Kwanzaa is mainly celebrated in the US.
- There are approximately 18 million people who celebrate Kwanzaa.
- Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase Matunda ya Kwanzaa meaning “Frist fruits of the harvest”
- Kwanzaa celebrations often include African dances, drums, storytelling and poetry.
- People who celebrate Kwanzaa have a big feast called Karamu on 12/31.
- The colors of Kwanzaa are black, red and green. Black represents the color of the people, Green represents the fertile land of Africa and Red represents blood shed in the struggle for freedom.
- There are seven principles of Kwanzaa called Nguzo Saba:
Umoja (unity) to maintain unity in the family and community
Kujichagulia (self-determination) to be responsible for the community and to speak for oneself.
Ujima (collective work and responsiblity) to build and maintain a community.
Ujamaa (cooperative economics) to help build and maintain our own businesses.
Nia (purpose) to build and develop goals to benefit the people of the community.
Kuumba (creativity) to make the community more beautiful and beneficial for the future generation.
Imani (faith) to believe in our people, parents, teachers and leaders.
- Each night of Kwanzaa a candle is lit and a principle is discussed.
- The kinara is the candle holder in the middle is the black candle the three to the left are green and the three to the right are red.
- There are seven symbols of Kwanzaa:
Mazao: fruits, nuts and vegetables. The historical foundation of Kwanzaa. This is to remind the people of the harvest fruits that nourished the people of Africa.
Mkeka: Mat, symbols of Kwanzaa are arranged on the Mkeka which is made of straw or African cloth.
Vibunzi: Ear of Corn, represents fertility symbolizes that reproduction of futures families. One piece of corn is placed on the mkeka for each child.
Mishumoa Saba: The seven candles that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Kinara: The candle holder that holds the Kwanzaa candles. The candles symbolizes stalks of corn that branch off to form new stalks (the family).
Kikombe Cha Umoja: Unity cup, people say harambee Swahili for lets pull together than drink from the cup to honor ancestors
Zawadi: gifts Gifts are given on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1st. It is encouraged to give gifts that encourage growth, self-determination, achievement and success.
