While some traditions have been around for generations, Kwanzaa was created within the last century, making it a more recent winter tradition in America.
According to the Afrikan Restoration Project, Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration to reconnect with ancestral traditions, celebrate community and instill values that strengthen cultural identity. Observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, it was established in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist for cultural recovery and reconstruction.
The name “Kwanzaa” is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits,” which the festival’s roots in African harvest celebrations, according to the African American Cultural Center. However, Kwanzaa is more than an homage to agricultural traditions — it is a deeply symbolic time of reflection and empowerment. Its purpose is to encourage pride in African heritage, strengthen bonds within the African diaspora and promote the values that sustain communities.
At the heart of Kwanzaa are the “Nguzo Saba,” or the Seven Principles, which represent the core values celebrated throughout the week. Each day is dedicated to one principle, beginning with “Umoja,” or unity, which emphasizes the importance of togetherness in family, community and the broader nation. The second day focuses on “Kujichagulia,” or self-determination, which encourages individuals to define and speak for themselves. “Ujima,” celebrated on the third day, highlights collective work and responsibility, underscoring the importance of solving problems together.
This continues through the fourth day with the principle of “Ujamaa,” or cooperative economics, encouraging participants to support and build businesses within their community. The fifth principle, “Nia,” or purpose, calls for individuals to work collectively to develop and sustain the community for the common good. “Kuumba,” or creativity, follows, encouraging individuals to leave the community more beautiful and beneficial than they inherited it. Finally, the celebration concludes with “Imani,” or faith, emphasizing the belief in the community, its people and its potential for success.
In addition to the principles, Kwanzaa is filled with symbols and traditions. Families often display a “kinara,” a seven-candle holder, with three red candles, three green candles and one black candle, each being lit on the respective days. Other elements, such as the “mkeka” (a woven mat symbolizing the foundation of African traditions), the “mazao” (crops representing the fruits of collective labor), and the “kikombe cha umoja” (the unity cup), also play important roles in Kwanzaa ceremonies.
The final day of Kwanzaa often culminates in a communal feast known as “Siku ya Taamuli” since it is the first day of the new year. This joyful gathering brings families and friends together to reflect on the principles, share traditional African and African-American foods and celebrate the achievements of the past year while looking forward to the future. It is a day of meditation and self-reflection.
Kwanzaa’s significance extends far beyond its week of observance. It is a cultural affirmation and a reminder of the resilience, creativity and unity for the African diaspora. By emphasizing shared values and collective progress, Kwanzaa continues to inspire those who celebrate it to strengthen their cultural identity while contributing to the betterment of their communities.
