Origin of Kwanzaa
The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal.
On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African Americans.
Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.
The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.
Did you know?
The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.
Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, are a set of ideals created by Dr. Karenga. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.
Unity: Umoja (oo–MO–jah) To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
Self-determination: Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah) To define, name, create and speak for oneself.
Collective Work and Responsibility: Ujima (oo–GEE–mah) To build and maintain community together, and to solve a brother’s and sister’s problems together.
Cooperative Economics: Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah) To build and maintain stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Purpose: Nia (nee–YAH) To make a collective vocation the building and developing of a community in order to restore people to their traditional greatness.
Creativity: Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah) To do always as much as one can, in the way one can, in order to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial than how one inherited it.
Faith: Imani (ee–MAH–nee) To believe with all one's heart in people, parents, teachers, leaders and the righteousness and victory of a struggle.
5 Things You May Not Know About Kwanzaa
The pan-African holiday is celebrated by millions around the world.
The pan-African holiday is celebrated by millions around the world.
Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables) These symbolizes work, and form the basis of the holiday.
Mkeka: Place Mat The straw or cloth mkeka comes from Africa and expresses history, culture and tradition.
Vibunzi: Ear of Corn The corn represents fertility, children and family.
Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles Candles serve to re-create the sun’s power and to provide light.
Kinara: The Candleholder The kinara, at the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents ancestry.
Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup The kikombe cha umoja cup is used to perform the libation (tambiko) ritual on the sixth day of Kwanzaa.
Zawadi: Gifts Zawadi (gifts) encourage growth, self-determination, achievement and success.
