Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an annual African American and pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It is held from December 26 to January 1, and culminates in a communal feast called Karamu.

Origins of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was first created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 during the aftermath of the Watts riots (alternatively known as the Watts Rebellion or Watts Uprising). 

Karenga created Kwanzaa as a specifically African American holiday which provided an “opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history.” 

It is loosely based on fruit harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa, including West and Southeast Africa. The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits.”

Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles)

The celebration of Kwanzaa includes recognition of a set of ideals that its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa, or Nguzo Saba.

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

Primary Symbols of Kwanzaa

• Mazao (The Crops)
• Mkeka (The Mat)
• Kinara (The Candle Holder)
• Muhindi (The Corn)
• Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup)
• Mishumaa Saba (The Seven Candles)
• Zawadi (The Gifts)

Learn more about Kwanzaa

You can learn more about the Nguzo Saba, the primary symbols of Kwanzaa, and the history and meaning of the holiday by visiting the Official Kwanzaa Website.