What Is Kwanzaa and What does it Mean

During Kwanzaa you will see red, black and green candles. Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa is known as a ritual to welcome the first harvest of a home.  You will see red, black and green candles in homes that celebrate Kwanzaa starting on December 26th through January 1st of each year.   As a Caribbean child, I had early teachings about Kwanzaa upon entering school in the United States.  My school prided itself in teaching all of the students the principles of Kwanzaa and we had assignments and activities for an entire week surrounding the seven principles each day.  There were books, photos on the classroom walls, handouts to bring home to share with our family and a grand Kwanzaa school play.

It took a while for some people to grasp on to why our teachers were so adamant that all the students know the principles and to share each day how they applied it in their life that day.  I can’t say that there was much excitement from every child who couldn’t grasp the idea of celebrating such a holiday festival and my thought was because this holiday had nothing to do with gift giving.  In fact it was created in response to the commercialism of Christmas by Doctor Maulana Karenga.  In 1966 Kwanzaa festival was born and its roots do not include the fan faire that Christmas brings.   Gifts are exchanged but emphasis on food, celebration, gathering, reverence and recommitment are just some of the things that are of utmost importance for this holiday.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa

We were taught that there are seven (7) principles of Kwanzaa and they all have words derived from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.  Keep in mind that Kwanzaa is not an African region focused celebration.  Its origin is from the United States citizen Dr. Karenga with influence from the civil rights era and Pan-African mission, therefore it’s considered and African-American holiday.

There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, and each principle has a meaning and is emphasized on individual days.  For seven days, Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibilities, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.

Unity.  UMOJA in KiSwahili

Self-Determination.  KUJICHAGULIA in KiSwahili

Collective Work and Responsibilities.  UJIMA in KiSwahili

Cooperative Economics.  UJAMAA in KiSwahili

Purpose.  NIA in KiSwahili

Creativity.  KUUMBA in KiSwahili

Faith.  IMANI in KiSwahili

The Meaning Behind The Red, Black And Green Candles During Kwanzaa

There are red, black and green candles that someone lights each day in honor of each principle.  The red, black and green represents that African liberation movement which you may see in most of the flags.  The candles are called Mishumma Saba in KiSwahili.  There are three (3) red, one (1) black and three (3) green candles that are placed on a candelabra or Kinara which is the proper KiSwahili term used.  The red is for African American people’s struggle, the black for the people themselves and the green for the hope and future of the people.  The black candle is the first candle that is lit on December 26th, then red for the next three nights until you get to green.  In addition to the candles, candleabra and tablecloth that most recognize and associate with Kwanzaa, there are other items on the celebration table which are:

• • Mat representing the foundation of self actualization. In KiSwahili it’s called Mkeka
  • Corn representing the hope for the younger generation.  In KiSwahili it’s called Muhindi
  • Unity cup representing pouring libations for ancestors.  In KiSwahili it’s called Kkimbe cha Umoja
  • Crops (fruits, nuts, veg.)  representing African American agriculture. In KiSwahili it’s called Mzao
  • Gifts representing a parents commitment to their child. In KiSwahili it’s called Zawadhi

I hope this information helps you understand more about this holiday.  I see how this celebration can be a great way for families to take time to bond and grow stronger together.

Happy Kwanzaa!