Kwanzaa is an annual holiday celebrating African American and pan-African culture, community and families. During Kwanzaa, celebrants honor the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles, of their culture: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).Related: Habari Gani? Celebrate Kwanzaa With Senegalese Chicken Thighs, Red Palm and Coconut Rice by Pierre ThiamWho Founded Kwanzaa?
Dr. Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966—58 years ago!What Does the Name "Kwanzaa" Mean?
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Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year. That means that this year, Kwanzaa starts on Thursday, December 26, 2024, and ends on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.How Many Days Is Kwanzaa?
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How Do I Celebrate Kwanzaa?
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Choose a central place in the home for the Kwanzaa Set.Prepare a table with an African cloth.Place a mat, called mkeka, down, and place the rest of the Kwanzaa symbols on or alongside it.Place the Kinara (candleholder) on the mat and the Mishumaa Saba (seven candles) within it. The black candle, representing Umoja (unity), is placed in the center and lit on the first day of Kwanzaa to represent that people come first. Red candles, representing Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kumma (creativity) are placed to the left of the black candle. Green candles representing Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose) and Imani (faith) are placed to the right of the black candle.The candles are lit from left to right on the remaining six days of Kwanzaa. Red candles are lit after the black to symbolize the struggle of the Black community, and the green candles are lit last to represent the hope coming from the struggle.
Kwanzaa creator Dr. Karenga says that Kwanzaa greetings are in Swahili and are used to affirm and reaffirm the Seven Principles. On each respective day of Kwanzaa, it's common to say "Habari gani?" and respond with that day's principle ("Ujoma," "Kujichagulia," etc.).
Do You Give Gifts for Kwanzaa?
Gifts for Kwanzaa are typically given to children. According to Dr. Karenga, Kwanzaa gifts must include a book and a heritage symbol to emphasize the tradition of (and commitment to) learning history.
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