Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture and principles observed by millions of people across the United States and the world. While many believe it is a religious celebration with African origins, the meaning and story of Kwanzaa has its roots in the United States. Kwanzaa is actually a secular observance created by a member of the black power organization, US, in 1966.
Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa as an alternative to the Judeo-Christian holidays traditionally celebrated in December. Karenga was born Ron Everett, and co-founded the organization, US, which stood for "us people." Karenga created Kwanzaa while still a member of the US organization. His group wanted to introduce principles of African social ethics, called Nguzo Saba, into the African-American community. The Official Kwanzaa website tells us the word Kwanzaa comes from a Southern African festival "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first-fruits."
The first-fruits celebrations in the southern African nations were seven days long, and Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days as well. Each one of the seven days stands for a principle in the Swahili language. The principles are:
Umoja (Unity), expressing unity in family and community;
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), calling for self-reliance as individuals and for African-Americans to define their own identity;
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), urging African-Americans to solve problems within their community and rely on each other;
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), patronizing black-owned businesses;
Nia (Purpose), determination to build a better world for African-Americans;
Kuumba (Creativity), to focus on beautifying the surrounding community;
Imani (Faith), to believe in the righteousness of the struggle.
Similar to observers of Chanukah, Kwanzaa celebrants light a set of candles called a Kinara for each day of the celebration. In keeping with the 6th principle of Kwanzaa, there is no orthodoxy associated with the celebration. Each person who observes the festival is free to create their own ways to participate. Many prepare special dishes with roots in the African continent and give gifts steeped in African cultures.
Estimates vary on how many people celebrate the festival. The National Retail Foundation commissioned a study in 2004 that reported nearly 5 million people planned to celebrate Kwanzaa that year. More optimistic estimates, including that of Karenga himself, indicate that up to 30 million people around the world may participate annually.
As movements like Black Nationalism and Afrocentrism fade in popularity, the numbers of participants in Kwanzaa celebrations have faded in recent years. However, according to author Keith Mays, Kwanzaa is the most mainstream of African-American holiday celebrations.
Lighting the Kwanzaa candles emphasizes the importance of a principle of African culture on each day of the holiday. |
Kwanzaa began in 1966, and Kwanzaa traditions encourage African-Americans to celebrate their African roots. |
Kwanzaa decorations and gifts should reflect the spirit of the holiday, which highlights African traditions and values. |
What are the symbols of Kwanzaa? Learn about the seven symbols that are used and their meanings. |
What is Kwanzaa? It is not a religious holiday but a celebration of Pan-African culture. |
The history of Kwanzaa reflects pride in Pan-African cultures and an effort to emphasize the importance of community. |
Learn all about Kwanzaa with our guide explaining everything from Kwanzaa traditions to learning how to light Kwanzaa candles to understanding the seven Kwanzaa principles. |
As Kwanzaa become more popular, a debate arose as to whether or not people can truly embrace both Kwanzaa and Christmas. |
Each of the seven Kwanzaa principles are recognized during the seven days of the holiday. |
To most people outside the African-American and pan-African cultures, the celebration of Kwanzaa is a mystery. Yet, it doesn't have to be. This holiday was created to celeb...click here for more. |
