Kwanzaa
is holiday celebrated by African-Americans. The
holiday was started in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga,
Ph.D in 1966. It lasts from December 26 - January
1 and the foundations of the holiday are based on
ancient African festivals. This seven-day celebration
was created for African-Americans to think about
their African heritage and present state.
|
GREEN
|
The land of
Africa; hope
|
|
BLACK
|
Color
of the African race |
|
RED
|
Blood shed
by African ancestors
|
The colors for Kwanzaa
are black, red, and green --- each
color has a special meaning.
Read the meanings in
the chart on the right.
Kwanzaa's language and symbols have been derived from the Swahili
language. For example, the Swahili words NGUZO SABA
means Seven Principles. In the next section, the seven principles are shown.
The English meaning is in green.
Nguzo Saba or Seven Principles
-
Kujichagulia
means Self
Determination
-
Nia
means Purpose
-
Kuumba
means Creativity
-
Umoja
means Unity
-
Ujima
means Cooperative
Work & Responsibility
-
Ujamaa
means Cooperative
Economics
-
Imani
means Faith
Kwanzaa Symbols
Now
let's learn about some symbols. There are seven
symbols. The English meaning is shown in green
below.
-
Mkeka
- the
mat
-
Kinara
- the
candleholder
-
Mishumaa
Saba - the
seven candles
-
Kikombe
cha Umoja - the
unity cup
-
Mazao
- the
crops
-
Muhindi
- corn
-
Zawadi
- gifts
The
Seven Days of Kwanzaa
The
Kinara sits on top of the Mkeka. Then the seven
candles are placed in the Kinara. The seven candles
represent the seven principles. Three red candles
go on the right, three green candles go on the left
and a black one is placed in the middle. The candles
are lit each day beginning with the black one which
represents Umoja. Each day after a candle is lit
alternately from left to right.
On
the final day of Kwanzaa, the children receive gifts.
These gifts are usually an educational book, a heritage
symbol or a toy/present.
