Kwanzaa Traditions and Celebration
Background and Observation of an African American Holiday
Oct 7, 2009
Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor at the California State University, Long Beach, in 1966. It begins on December 26, the day after Christmas, and the holiday continues through January 1, which is also New Year's Day.
The term "matunda ya kwanzaa" means "first fruits" in Swahili. Kwanzaa takes its name from the ancient African harvest festivals.
Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is based upon Seven Principles. They are, in Swahili and then English:
- Umoja or Unity
- Kujichagulia or Self-Determination
- Ujima or Collective Work and Responsibility
- Ujamaa or Cooperative Economics
- Nia or Purpose
- Kuumba or Creativity
- Imani or Faith
Kwanzaa is a time to remember these important cultural principles, and to meditate on how participants can apply these principles to their lives. The last day of Kwanzaa is traditionally one of meditation.
Kwanzaa Clothing
On each day of Kwanzaa, celebrants wear clothing made of traditional African patterns and fabrics. These colors are often bright earth tones, as well as greens, reds, and black.
As Africa is a relatively hot continent, the fabrics for traditional Kwanzaa clothing are lightweight such as linen, and the cut of the clothing is loose and flowing.
Celebrating Kwanzaa
The area of the house set up for Kwanzaa is made beautiful because Kwanzaa is time for the celebration and joy. An African mat made of straw or cloth is laden with fruits, nuts, and vegetables symbolizing the harvest. Ears of corn, which represent fertility, are included.
The gathering of family and friends for evening meals and celebration is joyous and festive, with good food and libation and friendship and kinship.
Greetings are very important in cultures that speak Swahili; it is rude to not greet somebody you are about to speak to. During Kwanzaa, celebrants greet each other in Swahili, "Habari." The response is "I am fine," or "Mzuri," in Swahili and goodbye is "Kwa heri."
Kinara and Kwanzaa Candles
The seven branch kinara, or Kwanzaa candelabra, has three green candles on one side, three red on the other, and one black candle in the middle. Black is for the people, red is for the struggle, and green symbolizes for the hope for the future. The kinara is considered a symbol of African roots, and each candle represents one of the seven principles.
The candles, or Mishumaa Saba, are lit each night in a specific order. First, the black candle, which represents Umoja. Then the farthest left red candle (Kuumba), the farthest green candle (Imani), middle red candle (Ujaama), middle green candle ((Ujima), closest red candle (Kujichagulia), and finally the closest green candle (Nia).
Kwanzaa Gifts
Meaningful gifts are given to children at the end of Kwanzaa, and sometimes, gifts are exchanged among adults. Books are popular gifts as they encourage further learning, and anything that relates to African heritage also makes a popular gift for Kwanzaa. Hand-crafted gifts are also encouraged because they promote creativity and self-determination.
Some families make the kinara before Kwanzaa begins. Making the candles is another creative project in preparation for Kwanzaa. Celebrants of Kwanzaa avoid the chaos of retail shopping during December, and instead give each other very personal and meaningful gifts.
Christmas v. Kwanzaa
People can choose to celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, or both. The holidays are neither related nor exclusive. African American and Pan African people are of many faiths. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African roots and culture, and people of all faiths participate in this celebration of their rich and varied heritage.
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