The Principles of Kwanzaa

Sarah Ganly
Kwanzaa is a fairly new holiday that celebrates the African-American culture; it is not a religious holiday, and it celebrates the distinct heritage of the African-American people. There are specific principles of Kwanzaa that are noteworthy, and this article will discuss the seven basic principles of Kwanzaa.

1. Unity is the first basic principle of Kwanzaa, and it is also know as Umoja (OO-MO-JAH). This principle stresses the need for unity amongst family and the African-American people. The first principle of Kwanzaa is unity and it stresses community and togetherness. Umoja is represented by a black candle.

2. Self Determination is the seconf principle of Kwanzaa and it is also know as Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH). Self-Determination is an important principle of Kwanzaa that reflects defining who you are as a person. This principle is represented by a red candle.

3. Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) is the third principle of Kwanzaa, and it represents collective work and responsibility of the African-American people. This principle means that it is the responsibility of all African-American to support each other in their goals and problems. This principle is represented by a green candle.

4. Cooperative economics is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, and it represents the idea of African-Americans supporting each other's businesses. This principle is also known as Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH), and it is represented by a red candle.

5. Nia (NEE-YAH) is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa and it represents purpose. This principle reminds African-American people that they must work to build the strength and greatness of the African-American race. This principle is represented by a green candle.

6. Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa and it means creativity. This principle reminds African-American people that they should use their creativity to improve their community and leave it better than they found it. This principle is symbolized with a red candle.

7. Faith is the final and seventh principle of Kwanzaa, and it is also known as Imani (EE-MAH-NEE). This principle of Kwanzaa symbolizes the idea that African-Americans should have faith in their abilities; it also reminds African-Americans to believe in the strength, power, and righteousness of their race.

The principles of Kwanzaa are important ideas that are celebrated during Kwanzaa, and they are the basic practices recognized during this holiday. The Kwanzaa principles are righteous beliefs and practices that should be represented throughout all of humanity. The ideas of goodness, strength, creativity, and support should reach people of all races because they have a positive message.

Published by Sarah Ganly

I am a student, lunch lady, daughter, girlfriend, and proud puppy owner. I love art, crafts, gardening, baking, and many other hand on activities. I am pursuing a degree in business management, and I am...  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.