An African-American Celebration
What Is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a unique African American celebration with focus on the traditional African
values of family, community responsibility, commerce, and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious and
despite some misconceptions, is not a substitute for Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming African-American people, their
ancestors and culture. Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits of the harvest" in the African language Kiswahili, has gained
tremendous acceptance. Since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa has come to be observed by more
than15 million people worldwide, as reported by the New York Times. Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, it is
based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance.
Seven Principles Of Kwanzaa
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Umoja (unity) to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
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Kujichagulia (self-determination) to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves
and speak for ourselves.
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Ujima (collective work and responsibility) to build and maintain our community
together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them
together.
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Ujamaa (cooperative economics) to build and maintain our own stores, shops,
and other businesses together.
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Nia (purpose) to make our collective vocation the building of our community to restore our
people to their traditional greatness.
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Kuumba (creativity) to do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and
beneficial than we inherited it.
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Imani (faith) to believe with our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Definitions
- Karamu (the feast)
- Kikombe Cha Umoja (unity cup)
- Kinara (candle holder)
- Mazao (fruits, ground provision, vegetables)
- Mkeka (mat, usually straw)
- Mishumaa Saba (seven candles)
- Muhindi (ear of corn)
- Nguzo Saba (seven principles)
- Umoja (unity, the black center candle)
- Zawadi (gifts)
Colors
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Red symbolizing the blood shed by our ancestors
Black symbolizing Africans around the world
Green for the hope and color of their ancestral homeland
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Ritual
The Kinara is placed atop the Mkeka. The Mishumaa Saba represent the Nguzo Saba.
Each candle represents a distinct principle beginning with Umoja.
Candles are then lit each day alternately from left to right. Three green candles should be
placed on the left and three red candles should be placed on the right.
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