Kwanzaa
 Kwanzaa, December 26 to January 1. A seven day festival during which African Americans celebrate their heritage of both
American and African traditions.
It is a time to reflect on the values of family, community responsibility, commerce,
and self-improvement.
The name Kwanzaa means "first fruits of the harvest" in Kiswahili.
Customs
A seven-candle holder, or
Kinara, is placed on the table.
In the center of the holder is placed a black candle to represent the
African-American people.
To the right are three red candles representing their struggles, and to the left are
three green candles representing hopes for the future.
On each day of the festival, family and friends gather around the table as someone
lights a candle.
The black candle is the first to be lit, then it alternates from left to right on
successive days.
There are seven principles, called
Nguzo Saba, which guide Kwanzaa, and one of these principles is recited while
the candle is being lit.
The principles are
Umoja (unity),
Kujichagulia (self-determination),
Ujima (collective work and responsibility),
Ujamaa (cooperative economics),
Nia (purpose),
Kuumba (creativity), and
Imani (faith).
Each person speaks about the personal importance of that principle in their life.
There is a period for remembering the dead and great African American heroes.
Karamu, December 31. The feast of Kwanzaa traditionally occurs on New Year's Day.
History
Kwanzaa was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966.
Dr. Karenga is a professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at
California State University, and a chairman of the President's Task Force on
Multicultural and Campus Diversity.
His goal in creating Kwanzaa was to use the holiday to help African Americans
learn about their heritage, build strong families, and promote unity.
He based the customs of the new holiday on the traditions of many
African harvest festivals.
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