What is Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa is an African American Christmas tradition that began in the USA in the 1960s. It was started by the civil rights leader Maulana Karenga in 1966. The idea was for black people to unify in coming together and celebrating their history. The focus would then be on values to support their development. However, just like Christmas décor, its influence moves from place to place and it is becoming popular with Black Britons too.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is an African American Christmas tradition that began in the USA in the 1960s. It was started by the civil rights leader Maulana Karenga in 1966. The idea was for black people to unify in coming together and celebrating their history. The focus would then be on values to support their development. However, just like Christmas décor, its influence moves from place to place and it is becoming popular with Black Britons too.

When is Kwanzaa?

It starts immediately after Christmas and continues until the 1st January.

What decorations are used for kwanza?

The main decoration is a kinara, a candleholder for seven candles. Three red candles sit to the left, three green to the right and there is a central black candle which is lit first. A candle is lit each day alternating between red and green, which directly link to the seven principles or Nguzo Saba.

The kinara and the seven candles are two of the seven symbols used during Kwanzaa. The other symbols are a shared unity cup called Kikombe cha Umoja to represent the family and community. All drink from it and a little is poured as a remembrance to past ancestors. There is Mazao or shared crops and the Muhindi is an ear of corn for each child in the family, representing the future. Finally, the Zawadi are the gifts for children. These usually have an educational basis or remind them of their African heritage.

What are the colors of Kwanzaa?

Black, green and red which represent the Pan-African movement, it is a symbol of unity of the African-descent around the world. Black is for the people, red is for the blood and green is for the land of Africa.

What are the 7 principles of Kwanzaa?

The seven principles are:

– Umoja (unity)

– Kujichagulia (self-determination and responsibility)

– Ujima (collective work and responsibility)

– Ujamaa (cooperative economics)

– Nia (purpose in remembering and restoring black culture, customs and history)

– Kuumba (creativity)

– Imani (faith)

All of these principles are to be developed throughout the year to improve black communities. Kwanzaa is the chance for African Americans and Black Britons to celebrate their own rich history and culture. By choosing a period after Christmas, this can be linked to a joyful and festive time. However, it can also be distinct and separate, as its own seven-day festival.

Kwanzaa is fully rooted in African American history, culture and tradition. Each principle is in place to honour traditions and to develop black communities with unity. Each symbol has roots in a strong heritage that must not be forgotten. Kwanzaa was created in response to a need in black communities. It borrows from the harvest or first fruit festivals that are important celebrations across Africa. It focuses on giving thanks and honouring the ancestors. Kwanzaa also develops the good things in the lives of individuals and communities. It encourages people to build each other up. It is a positive event in the calendars of black people who are not in Africa and are likely less immersed in their culture and history.

Kwanzaa is an opportunity to celebrate individual identity and to acknowledge the past in an important celebration. No other holidays focus in the same way on black people and it is therefore an important event that impacts throughout the year. Each individual can find the space to acknowledge and honour their own past. The Kwanzaa celebrations give people a focus to look forward to their own present and future. In this way, Christmas and Kwanzaa can both be fully enjoyed by the black community as traditions and celebrations to get fully involved in and enjoy.