Kwanzaa: An African American Christmas Tradition

Many families and cultures have their own ways of celebrating Christmas traditions. In the African American Community, Kwanzaa (which means first fruits) is a celebration that is shared throughout the community. In 1966 during the struggle for civil rights, Dr. Maulana Karenga created the holiday of Kwanzaa modeled after African harvest festivals.

Kwanzaa a celebration of the African American people, culture and history; this is a time of gathering and reflection. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and continues throughout the period of the 1st of January. For most African American families, this celebration has become part of their familial Christmas tradition.

For a seven-day period African American families celebrate this Christmas tradition by focusing on a single principle every day based on the foundation of Kwanzaa, which are the Seven Principles. These principles are; unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. During the seven-day celebration of Kwanzaa, tradition has it that the youngest child light candles in a special candle holder and discusses one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Over the course of seven days all of the principles are discussed among the family members. However, on the sixth day of Kwanzaa there is a large feast that is shared with friends and family celebrating the history, and culture of African Americans and the upcoming new years.

There are seven symbols associated with the African American Christmas tradition of Kwanzaa. The symbols are usually displayed on a table as an altar. The first symbol is "The Mat" or Mkeka upon which all of the other symbols will be placed. Usually a piece of fabric such a Kente cloth, raffia or paper can be used. The mat is symbolic of sacrifices our ancestors made for us. It also symbolizes the African American culture and achievement. The next symbol of Kwanzaa is "The Unity Cup" or Kikombe cha Umoja which represents community and unity. Everyone present during the celebration drinks from the Unity Cup. The next symbol is an arrangement of "The Crops" or Mazao which can be fruits and vegetables. This symbol honors the people that worked and grew the crops. The next symbol of Kwanzaa is "The Candle holder" or Kinara which holds seven candles and represents our African ancestors. "The Seven Candles" or Mishunaa Saba is placed in the candle holder. These seven candles represent the seven principles. The colors of the candles are red, green, and black reflecting the colors of the African Flag. The next symbol is "The Corn" or Muhindi, which symbolizes the children of the future. One ear of corn is used to represent each child in the family. This symbol has dual significance. As a sign of respect it also represents the first inhabitants of the land, the Native American and their contributions to our culture. The next symbol is "Gifts" or Zawadi. During the celebration gifts that inform and educate the children are given to children as a means of respect for the past and promise for the future of the culture.

Dr. Karenga, the creator of the African American Christmas Tradition of Kwanzaa designed the holiday based on solid characteristics of gathering, celebration of harvest, giving thanks to the Creator, remembrance of ancestors, re-commitment to the community, and celebration of promise for the next year along with history, culture and our Supreme Being.