Kwanzaa created more than 30 years ago has become well established as a seasonal holiday. In creating this holiday, Dr. Maulena Karenga chairmen of black studies at California State University, Long Beach, organized the observance around ancient wisdom based on six criteria of a people-history, mythology, creativity, social structure, political, grouping and economics. Kwanzaa focuses on the following seven principals or Nguzo Subu (nn-Goo-zoh SAH- bah), as they are known in Swahili.

• Umoja [oo-MOH-JAH] (Unity)
• Kujichagulia [koo-ji-chah-goo-LEE-ah] (Self-determination)
• Ujima [oo-JEE-mah] (Collective work and responsibility)
• Ujamma [oo-jah-MAH] (Cooperative economics)
• Nia [NEE-ah] (Purpose)
• Kuumba [koo-OO-mbah] (Creativity)
• Imani [ee-MAH-nee] (Faith)

Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of culture, community and family. This year in an era of heightened interest in family and community, along with the desire to share familiar and traditional experiences with family members and close friends, the annual event takes on greater meaning.

Although some holidays are linked to heroes, political figures or religion, Kwanzaa is not. It is a celebration of African-American culture, community and family. Celebrated annually for seven consecutive days, December 26 through January 1, each day is linked with one of the seven principles. The daily ritual begins with the lighting of one of the seven candles placed in the candleholder called the kinara, by a family member or friend. This candle lighting is followed by a discussion of the day's principle, a folktale, or shared recollection of how the principle has influenced the family or friend participating in the celebration.

The seven-day celebration begins on December 26 with the activities of the day focusing on the first Kwanzaa principle-Umoja or unity. When the first candle placed in the center of the kinara is ignited, it is the black candle, symbolic of unity. As the celebration continues, each day one candle is lit for each principle; the three green candles represent Kujichagulia or self-determination, Ujima, collective work and responsibility and Ujamma, cooperative economics. The three red candles are for Nia, purpose; Kuumba, creativity; and Imani, faith. The green candles are placed to the right of the black candle and the three red candles are placed on the left side.

During Kwanzaa, one candle symbolic of one principle is lit each day. The other candles are relit giving more light and more focus on the principles. The number of candles burning in the kinara indicates the principle being celebrated. As the days progress, the candles are ignited on alternating sides, for example the Umoja or black candle first, followed by the green candle for Kujichagulia, then the red candle for Nia, and so on.

Kwanzaa shares with other holidays the communal spirit and a cornucopia of food. The word Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili word meaning "first" or "first fruits of the harvest." It shares traditions of harvest festivals celebrated in many African countries, acknowledging the first fruits of the harvest, and reward of family and friends working together to produce the season's crop.

In celebrating African-American culture, food plays an integral role in the festivities. During Kwanzaa some people opt to eat only fruits and vegetables for the seven days adding meat to the menu for the final day's feast. Other folks may select foods and dishes that reflect the principle of the day. The holiday culminates with a feast or karamu (kah-Rah-moo) that can include an array of foods-favorite African-American fare and traditional dishes from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, representing the diverse peoples of African heritage. Whether gathering with family, friends or new acquaintances, sharing the cultural bonds of Kwanzaa is a meaningful and rewarding way to acknowledge the coming year.

Kwanzaa Traditions

Source: Charla L. Draper
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