Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday that is celebrated mainly in the United States for seven days, from December 26th-January 1st. The word Kwanzaa means first fruits. Each day is centered around seven principles. In Swahili, these seven principles are called the Nguzo Saba.
Kwanzaa encourages those who celebrate it to make/create their gifts for each other and to shop within their own communities to promote business and commerce in their neighborhoods.
According to The Official Kwanzaa Website,
Kwanzaa
was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African
culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community
and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout
the world African community. These values are called the Nguzo Saba
which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga,
the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa,
for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for
community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
Every night of the holiday, the family gathers around the Kinara, like the one seen above in the photo and lights one of the Mishumaa Saba, the seven candles, for the corresponding days in the holiday week. Kwanzaa's colors are the same as the African flag, or Bendera. These colors are red, black and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the hope for the future. The lone black candle represents Umoja, unity, and is placed in the center of the Kinara with three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right. As unity is needed for all things, that is the candle that is lit first.
DAY 1: Umoja ( OO-MOH-JAH) - Unity.
Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
DAY 2: Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH)- Self Determination.
Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
DAY 3: Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH)- Collective Work & Responsibility.
Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world.
DAY 4: Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH)-Cooperative Economics.
Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
DAY 5: Nia (NEE-YAH)-Purpose
Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
DAY 6: Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH)-Creativity
Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
DAY 7: Imani (EE-MAH-NEE)-Faith
Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
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