Kwanzaa Primer

Learn the basics of Kwanzaa, the African American cultural and spiritual celebration.

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	KWANZAA: The First Fruits of the Harvest
When It Falls	Kwanzaa is an annual festival that lasts seven days, from December 26 to January 1.
Meaning	The word Kwanzaa comes from the phrase, 'matunda ya kwanza,' which means 'first fruits of the harvest' in Swahili. Kwanzaa is modeled on the first fruit celebrations of ancient Africa. It is now a celebration of African-American family, community, and self-improvement.
History	Kwanzaa was created as a cultural festival in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, now a black studies professor. The festival was created to encourage African-Americans to think about their African roots and develop a higher African-American consciousness.
Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)	Umoja -- Unity Kujichagulia -- Self-Determination Ujima -- Collective Work and Responsibility Ujamaa -- Cooperative Economics Nia -- Purpose Kuumba -- Creativity Imani -- Faith
Ritual Objects & Symbols	Mkeka -- straw table mat, on which all other objects are placed Mazao -- crops, symbols of the fruits of collective labor Muhindi -- one ear of corn for each child, symbolizing fertility Kikombe cha umoja -- the unity cup, used to perform the libation ritual Zawadi -- gifts, traditional items that encourage success Kinara -- candleholder, a symbol of ancestry Mishumaa saba -- seven candles, one for each of the seven Kwanzaa principles
Customs	Each night, the family gathers to light the candles of the kinara, adding one candle for each day of the holiday. A traditional feast is held on the night of December 31.
Gifts	Gifts are usually opened on the last day of Kwanzaa, January 1. Gifts are considered part of the "kuumba," or creativity, principle and are encouraged. Traditional presents are books and heritage symbols.
Traditional Greeting	"Habari gani?", to which one replies with the Kwanzaa principle of the day.
Traditional Meal	Most celebrants have a feast, called a karamu, on December 31.
Suggested Reading	Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture By Maulana Karenga Kwanzaa: An African-American Celebration of Culture and Cooking By Eric V. Copage

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Kwanzaa Primer