Kwanzaa is holiday celebrated by African-Americans. The holiday was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Ph.D in 1966. It lasts from December 26 – January 1 and the foundations of the holiday are based on ancient African festivals. This seven-day celebration was created for African-Americans to think about their African heritage and present state.

The colors for Kwanzaa are black, red, and green — each color has a special meaning.

• GREEN – The land of Africa; hope
• BLACK – Color of the African race
• RED – Blood shed by African ancestors

Kwanzaa’s language and symbols have been derived from the Swahili language. For example, the Swahili words NGUZO SABA means Seven Principles. In the next section, the seven principles are shown.

Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles

1. Kujichagulia means Self Determination
2. Nia means Purpose
3. Kuumba means Creativity
4. Umoja means Unity
5. Ujima means Cooperative Work & Responsibility
6. Ujamaa means Cooperative Economics
7. Imani means Faith

Kwanzaa Symbols

Now let’s learn about some symbols. There are seven symbols. The English meaning is shown in green below.

1. Mkeka – the mat
2. Kinara – the candleholder
3. Mishumaa Saba – the seven candles
4. Kikombe cha Umoja – the unity cup
5. Mazao – the crops
6. Muhindi – corn
7. Zawadi – gifts

The Seven Days of Kwanzaa

The Kinara sits on top of the Mkeka. Then the seven candles are placed in the Kinara. The seven candles represent the seven principles. Three red candles go on the right, three green candles go on the left and a black one is placed in the middle. The candles are lit each day beginning with the black one which represents Umoja. Each day after a candle is lit alternately from left to right.

On the final day of Kwanzaa, the children receive gifts. These gifts are usually an educational book, a heritage symbol or a toy/present.