Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga during the political and social changes that took place in the 1960s. Its creation served as a way to restore the connection to African culture and to reinforce family, community, and culture.
Kwanzaa is a cultural African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated from December 26 through January 1. The name Kwanzaa originated from the African celebrations of the first harvest. The phrase "matunda ya kwanza" means first fruits in the language Swahili.
There are seven essential principles, also referred to as the Nguzo Saba. The principles are Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani). Each of the seven days of the celebration is dedicated to one of these principles.
Kwanzaa is celebrated by first preparing a table with the appropriate symbols. The first symbol is a mat (Mkeka). It is placed on a table and symbolizes the foundation of the holiday. The following symbols are placed on the mat or next to it. Fruits and vegetables (Mazao) represent the roots of the holiday, a candle holder (Kinara) represents African American ancestors, seven candles (Mishumaa saba) symbolize the seven principles, the ears of corn (Muhindi) represent the number of children in the household, and a chalice (Kikombe Cha Umoja) is used to pour libation (Tambiko) and symbolizes the unity of those of African descent. The last symbol is gifts (Zawadi) and may be given throughout the holiday.
The Kwanzaa colors are red, black, and green. Black symbolizes the people, red is for the struggle endured, and green is for the future hope that arises from the struggle. There is one black candle, three red candles, and three green candles. These are referred to as the mishumaa saba (the seven candles). The black candle represents the principle of unity and is placed in the center of the candleholder. The red candles represent, self-determination, cooperative economics, and creativity. The green candles represent the three principles of collective work and responsibility, purpose, and faith.
On the first day of the celebration, the black candle is lit. On the remaining nights, an additional candle is lit in order from left to right. After the candles have been lit, the principle of the day is discussed and each person explains its meaning. A commitment is also made to practice the seven principles throughout the year.
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