The Meaning and Story of Kwanzaa

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. It takes place for seven days, from December 26 through January 1, and celebrations include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal.

On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candle holder), then one of the seven principals is discussed. The principals, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contributes to building and reinforcing community among African culture. In addition, Kwanzaa has seven basic symbols that represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called Karamu, is held on December 31st.

The story of Kwanzaa

Dr. Maulana Kerenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization and started to research African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations. Kerenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

The name Kwanzaa derives from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza', meaning "first fruits". The additional "a" was added to "Kwanza" so that the word would have seven letters, one for each of the Seven Principles, or Nguzo (originally, Nguzu) Saba, of Blackness.

The candle lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. On the first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of the umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.

The seven principles

There is one principle for each of the seven days of Kwanzaa in the following order.
1. Umoja (unity) to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
2. Kujchagulia (self determination) to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
3. Ujima (collective work and responsibility) to build and maintain our community together and make our sister's and brother's problems our problems and to solve them together.
4. Ujamaa (cooperative economics) to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses together.
5. Nia (purpose) to make our collective vocation the building of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
6. Kuumba (creativity) to do as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
7. Imani (faith) to believe with our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

The seven basic symbols

1. Mazao:Fruits, nuts and vegetables
2. Mkeka:Place Mat
3. Vibuzi:Ear of Corn
4. Mishumaa Saba:The seven candles
5. Kinara:The candle holder
6. Zawadi:Gifts
7. Lolpmba Cha umoja:The unity cup