Kwanzaa Colors: The Meaning Behind the Colors of the African Celebration

When I worked in childcare, during the month of December we were required to teach our children about all the holidays celebrated in that month. I found myself focusing on Kwanzaa as the first holiday for the children in my class and proceeded to do some research on it. Imagine my surprise when I found out exactly what the colors behind the African celebration meant as well as the traditions that those who celebrated the holiday maintained.

Kwanzaa also uses a candelabra and candles, with one candle lit every night between December 26th and January 1st. The colors of the candles are three red on the right, the three green on the left, and one black candle in the middle of the other six. The meanings behind the color are as follows:

Green: represents the color of Africa, as well as representing hope of the future and continued prosperity.

Red: represents the color shed by all African ancestors in the past that helped African Americans get to the present that they are at.

Black: represents the color of the African race.

As stated beforehand, each night a candle is lit for one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa starting with the black candle which represents Umoja (Unity). Then, on each night after the first the candles are lit alternating accordingly to color as the family celebrates the remaining six principles: Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). This is done after a member of the family (or families) that have gathered (and usually it is the youngest present) asks "Habari gani?" meaning what's the word. It is essentially asking "What is it we are suppose to be learning about tonight?" On the last night of Kwanzaa children are given gifts usually an educational one such as a book about history so they can continue to learn more about their culture.

Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration not a religious one so it can be celebrated by virtually anyone who wants to take part in it. When I found out everything that I know about Kwanzaa I found myself with a new respect for this celebration which is so much more than what I originally thought it was. I even admit I had total ignorance about what the celebration was about and was happy when I added what I now know about this celebration to my knowledge. While I have just barely touched the surface of what Kwanzaa is meant to celebrate I hope it has peaked enough interest that someone will read this and want to learn more themselves.