Kwanzaa: a Celebration of African Culture

Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture and traditional values, first begun in the late 1960's in the United States by Maulana Kenenga. It is held for seven days beginning on December 26. While in its earliest forms, it was proposed as an alternative to Christmas, since the 1990's it has changed into a celebration that families can choose to do alongside Christmas, not instead of it.

Kwanzaa is designed to promote seven fundamental principles: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujimaa (family), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). Each night of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of these principles.

Families who celebrate Kwanzaa decorate their houses with African objects of art, including colorful cloths known as kente, and fresh fruit that symbolizes traditional African values. Also, women can choose to wear a colorful piece of clothing made out of kente called a "kaftan." Children are included in Kwanzaa, as part of a way to pass down the traditional African values to them. Traditional symbols of Kwanzaa include a mat on which other symbols are placed, corn and other traditional crops, a kinara, which is a candle holder with seven candles, one in the center and three on each side, a cup for libations, gifts, a poster explaining the seven values, and a red, green and black flag. Each symbol is designed to celebrate or explain one or more of the seven values.

While estimates vary greatly, from 28 million to 1.5 million, Kwanzaa is celebrated by a great many people. By focusing on a culture that was overlooked for too long, it provides all of us with a unique opportunity annually - the opportunity to learn about a new, yet ancient, culture, and celebrate the values that culture brings into our own world. Joyous Kwanzaa, everybody!