Kwanzaa Traditions

Kwanzaa is celebrated by African-Americans, as well as other African descendants all over the world. It takes place just before the new year. Kwanzaa is a time of reflection and celebration for one's family and community. Participants are encouraged to consider how they can make themselves better people and the world a better place. Kwanzaa is a secular holiday.

Kwanzaa Background

Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga is generally credited with the inception of Kwanzaa in 1966. Essentially, Kwanzaa was developed as an alternative to the over-commercialized Western Christian holiday tradition of Christmas, both taking place in late December. Karenga created Kwanzaa with the hopes of bringing people together after the Watts riots in L.A. The name "Kwanzaa" comes from a Swahili phrase, "matunda ya kwanzaa," which means "first fruits."

Explanation of Seven Days

Kwanzaa is celebrated over a seven-day period. Each day is symbolic of a different value. The first day, Umoja, celebrates the importance of unity. Kuchichagula, the second day, stresses self-determination. The third day, Ujima, represents "collective work and responsibility," and the fourth, Ujamaa, involves cooperative economics. These two days are about supporting the family and community from a commercial perspective. The fifth day, Nia, celebrates personal and community purpose and the importance of a productive life. The sixth day, Kuumba, represents creativity and the importance of a beauty in the community. Imani, the seventh day, is about faith and hope for the future.

Kwanzaa Decorations

Gifts and decorations for Kwanzaa are often homemade. The kinara, like the Jewish menorah, holds the candles that are to be lit on each of the seven days. The Kwanzaa colors are red, black and green. Other symbols for Kwanzaa decorations include Muhindi (corn) and the Kikombe cha Umoja, the unity cup, or goblet.

Kwanzaa Feast

The Kwanzaa feast takes place on December 31. Stews are popular main dishes at a Kwanzaa celebration, often with Jamaican influences--including beef and rice, chicken and sausage, Kunde (a Kenyan recipe), and Kuku Paka (chicken in coconut and tomato sauce). Some popular side dishes at the Kwanzaa feast include: fried okra, collard greens, cornbread, and black beans and rice.

Gift Giving

Similar to Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is a time of gift-giving. However, Kwanzaa gifts are generally practical, reasonably-priced items, often with an educational purpose. Possible gifts include books, jewelry and Kwanzaa-related home decorations.

References

• Seven Days of Kwanzaa
• Kwanzaa Information

Resources

• Learn More About Kwanzaa