The celebration of Kwanzaa began on December 26, 1966 and was initiated by Dr. Moulana Ron Karenga. Dr. Karenga felt that Black Americans needed a common celebration based it on a theory from Africa called Kawaida which says that social change for Black Americans can be successful by learning from their individual cultural heritage. The word Kwanzaa is typically used in a Swahili phrase that refers to  “first fruits.” This celebration lasts 7 days starting on December 26 and ending on January 1. There are seven principles to live by that are celebrated during the 7 days of Kwanzaa.

The seven principles of Kwanzaa are Umoja (oo-MOH-jah) meaning unity, Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE­ uh) meaning control of your own life, Ujima (oo-jee-MAH) meaning working together and responsibility,  Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH) meaning sharing money and profits, Nia (NEE-ah) meaning having a purpose or reason, Kuumba (koo-UM-bah) meaning to be creative, lmani (ee-MAH-nee) meaning having faith.

Along with the principles of Kwanzaa, the flag, adopted by African-American liberation in the 1960s, displays the three colors of Kwanzaa; red, black and green. Red represents courage and blood. Black represents the skin of black people. Green represents the land and the harvest.

The symbols of Kwanzaa represent the values of the African Diaspora. The Kwanzaa table is set in preparation for the celebration. First the straw mat is spread, Mkeka (M-kay-cah). Then the Kinara (kee-na-rah) is placed, the seven candle candlestick holder, in the center of the Mkeka. The seven candles (Mishumaa Saba), red, black and green, are placed in the kinara. Next one ear of corn for each child in the family, Muhindi (Moo-hee-dee), are placed on either side of the Mkeka. Lastly, the gifts (Zawadi), unity cup (Kikombe Cha Umaja), soil and water (Tambiko), and a basket of fruit are placed on the Mkeka. Many families also hang a flag for black liberation facing east.

One candle is lit each day of Kwanzaa. The principle of the day is discussed so that each person has an understanding of their personal practice of the principle.  Stories, prayers and food are the other elements of the celebration.