What Is Kwanzaa

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If you are looking for an answer to the question, "What is Kwanzaa?", this article will provide you with the information you need to understand what this winter celebration is all about.

Candles are part of Kwanzaa celebrations.

What is Kwanzaa? - An Explanation

Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1 each year. More than 18 million people around the world observe Kwanzaa, and enjoy this time of focusing on traditional values.

First Kwanzaa Celebration

The festival was first celebrated in 1966. Dr. Maulana Karenga was responsible for introducing it as a way to mark the harvest coming in and as a way to offer an alternative to the commercialism that many people felt had taken over Christmas. Kwanzaa can be considered similar to Thanksgiving celebrations held in the United States and Canada.

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

The seven guiding principles that Kwanzaa is based upon are listed below. There is one for each of the festival's seven days:

  • Unity or Umoja (oo-MO-jah): Family and community are an important part of African-American culture. An example of this principle is the African saying, "I am We" or "I am because We are."
  • Self-determination or Kujichagulia (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah): The decisions a person makes must not only benefit the individual, but must also be in the best interests of his or her family and the community as a whole.
  • Collective Work and Responsibility or Ujima (oo-GEE-mah): Members of the community have an important role to play in the community, as well as society as a whole.
  • Cooperative Economics or Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah): The community has a responsibility to provide support for its members.
  • Purpose or Nia (NEE-yah): Kwanzaa is a time of year to look inward to help set personal goals that will benefit the entire community.
  • Creativity or Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creative energies can be used to create and maintain a strong, vibrant community.
  • Faith or Imani (ee-MAH-nee): In faith, community members are called to honor their traditions and work together to achieve a better quality of life for themselves and for mankind as a whole.

Symbols of Kwanzaa

There are a number of symbols associated with the celebration of Kwanzaa, and by understanding what they are and their meanings, you will have a better understanding of, "What is Kwanzaa?"

  • Crops are part of the celebration of Kwanzaa, since they symbolize the contributions that African-Americans have made to agriculture and the rewards that can be reaped when the community works together.
  • Corn symbolizes children and the hope that the older generation has for the future.
  • A straw mat provides the foundation for self-actualization for community members.
  • A candle holder is used to remind celebrants of their African roots.
  • Gifts are part of the Kwanzaa celebration and are given by parents to their children as a sign of their commitment to them.
  • A unity cup is used to pour drinks dedicated to the ancestors.
  • Candles are used to symbolize the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Colors associated with African liberation movements are used for this purpose - red, black, and green. Three of the candles are red, one is black, and the other three candles are green.

The Kinara

The candle holder used during Kwanzaa celebrations is called the kinara. If you don't have a holder that can be used for seven candles, then you can make one. A piece of wood (2" x 4") or some driftwood will do very nicely for this purpose.

When you are looking for an answer to the question, "What is Kwanzaa?", the simplest answer is that it is an African-American celebration that is rich in tradition and symbolism.

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