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As far as holidays go, Kwanzaa is the new kid on the block. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to help Africans and African-Americans honor family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 through January 1 of each year.
Red, black and green are the official colors of Kwanzaa, and Pan-Africanism. These colors also appear on the African-American Unity flag, which is an excellent starting point for your holiday decorating. Click below for more suggestions.
Pouring libation from the unity cup is an integral part of the Kwanzaa celebration, as is lighting the kinara, a candleholder that holds seven candles, each of which represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Read on to learn how to incorporate these rituals into your festivities.
If you’re planning to celebrate Kwanzaa with your family, talk to your children about the festival’s origins and explain the various symbols and rituals to them. Then make the holiday fun with entertaining crafts projects.
Since the first Kwanzaa was held less than 45 years ago, many families are celebrating for the first time. This pronunciation and definition key will help new celebrants connect with the Swahili terms and concepts, and gain a deeper understanding of the holiday.
| Term | Pronounciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kwanzaa | KWAN-za | From the Swahili word “Kwanza,” which means first fruits. |
| Nguzo Saba | n-GU-zo SAH-bah | The seven principles upon which Kwanzaa is based. |
| Umoja | oo-MO-jah | Unity, the first principle celebrated on the first day of Kwanzaa. |
| Kujichagulia | koo-jee-chah-GOO-lee-ah | Self-determination, celebrated on the second day. |
| Ujima | oo-JEE-mah | Collective work and responsibility, the third principle. |
| Ujamaa | oo-jah-MAH-ah | Cooperative economics, the fourth principle. |
| Nia | NEE-ah | Purpose, the fifth principle. |
| Kuumba | koo-OOM-bah | Creativity, celebrated on the sixth day. |
| Imani | ee-MAH-nee | Faith, the principle of the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa. |
| Habari gani? | Ha-ba-ri ga-ni | This question, Swahili for, “What is the news?,” is asked at the start of every Kwanzaa celebration. Celebrants answer with the Nguzo Saba (principle) of the day. |
| Mkeka | em-KEH-kah | A straw mat on which a Kwanzaa centerpiece is arranged. |
| Kinara | kee-NAH-rah | A candleholder central to the celebration. |
| Karamu | kah-RAH-moo | The big feast traditionally held on December 31, the sixth day of Kwanzaa. |
| Harambee! | hah-RAHM-beh | A call of unity cried out at the end of each nightly celebration, meaning “Let’s pull together!” |
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