Photo source: Apavlo at English Wikipedia
As the holiday season approaches, many in the African diaspora prepare for a celebration that is uniquely theirs: Kwanzaa. This cultural holiday, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, focuses on upholding family values and African principles. But what exactly is Kwanzaa, and why does it hold such a special place in the hearts of so many?
Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday celebrated annually to honor the African harvest traditions of West and Southeast Africa. It celebrates African-American history and values like family, culture, and community. The holiday honors the rich traditions and values of the African diaspora, offering an opportunity to remember the past, appreciate the present, and dream of a better tomorrow. To truly appreciate Kwanzaa and what principles are at the holiday’s core, we have to look back at its history.
The origins of the non-religious holiday are tied back to the first harvest celebrations in Africa, according to the official holiday website.
In 1966, Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University in Long Beach and an important figure in Afrocentrism, created Kwanzaa after the Watts riots as a holiday exclusively for African Americans. Concerned about the marginalization of African American culture and identity, Dr. Karenga sought to create a unifying tradition that would reconnect people of African descent to their roots while inspiring a sense of community and pride.
The name “Kwanzaa” comes from “matunda ya kwanza” in Swahili. Matunda means “fruits” and ya kwanza means “first.” Karenga was inspired by the festivals of first fruits celebrated around December/January in Southern Africa, particularly the Zulu festival Umkhosi Wokweshwama. He added an extra “a” to symbolize the seven letters of the holiday’s name. Drawing inspiration from African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa blends cultural symbolism with modern expressions of solidarity and empowerment.
The first-fruits celebrations go as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in other African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. These celebrations are also found in ancient and modern times among societies as large as empires (the Zulu) or kingdoms (Swaziland) or smaller societies and groups like the Matabele, Thonga, and Lovedu, all of southeastern Africa.
Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of “first fruit” celebrations: ingathering, reverence, commemoration, recommitment, and celebration.
The seven symbols of Kwanzaa are Mkeka (the mat) Mazao (crops) Muhindi (ears of corn), Kikombe Cha Umoja (a unity cup used to pour libations to the ancestors), Zawadi (gifts), Kinara (a candle holder), and Mishumaa Saba (seven candles). The seven candles remind participants of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the colors in flags of African liberation movements – 3 red, 1 black, and 3 green. The black candle represents the people, or unity, and gets placed in the center of the Kinara. The three red candles represent the people’s struggles and three more green candles symbolize the future and hope that can come from struggle.
Photo source: Facebook/ Ronaldo Jackson
Kwanzaa is built on seven core principles known as Nguzo Saba, each representing foundational values for personal and communal growth, and they are observed daily throughout the week-long celebration. Each of the seven candles signifies the principles. They are:
- Unity (Umoja)
- Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)
- Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima)
- Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)
- Purpose (Nia)
- Creativity (Kuumba)
- Faith (Imani)
How Is Kwanzaa Celebrated in the Diaspora?
Kwanzaa has become a cornerstone for many African-American and Afro-Caribbean families seeking to reconnect with their roots in the diaspora. Across the United States, Canada, and beyond, celebrations are dynamic and diverse, with participants blending African heritage with unique cultural expressions of the Black diaspora. During Kwanzaa’s week-long celebration, families and communities engage in activities and rituals that connect them to their cultural heritage and the values of the holiday.
Lighting the kinara: Each day of the celebration represents one of the seven principles, which are symbolized by lighting a kinara with seven candles. On the first night, celebrants light the Black unity candle. For the remaining six nights, a different candle is lit each day as family and friends gather.
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Drinking from the unity cup: An adult pours a little water or juice from the unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja) onto the ground to remember the family’s ancestors. Then the cup is passed among everyone, who sips while they chant Harambee (Swahili for “let’s pull together” and pronounced hah-RAHM-beh) seven times.
Storytelling and Reflection: Sharing African folktales, ancestral stories, and oral traditions, and reflecting on the principles are common during Kwanzaa gatherings. All these connect younger generations to their heritage.
African symbols in the home: Families typically decorate their homes with a wreath and vibrant African fabrics like kente. The Mkeka (mat), a symbol of the foundation on which communities build their lives, is often adorned with meaningful items like fruits, ears of corn, and unity cups.
The festivities: On December 31, the sixth day of Kwanzaa, families join in a community feast called Karamu. It’s a day of celebration, music, dancing and singing.
Gift-giving: The final day focuses on looking to the future and giving gifts (Zawadi) which can be homemade or educational. Participants are encouraged to share educational gifts that celebrate and promote African heritage. Food is also an important part of Kwanzaa, with families cooking traditional African meals.
Modern-day Celebration of Kwanzaa
Like the ever-changing seasons, Kwanzaa has continued to evolve, remaining a powerful platform for celebrating Black culture and addressing modern-day challenges. In an age of social media, hashtags like #KwanzaaCelebration and #NguzoSaba have shot the holiday into the limelight, sparking conversations and inspiring new ways to celebrate.
It has gained popularity beyond the African American community, as people of African descent around the world have embraced this celebration as a way to connect with their heritage and build stronger communities.
In recent years, the younger generations have begun to reclaim and reinterpret Kwanzaa, adapting it to modern times while honoring its core principles. Digital platforms have become a space for connecting communities, sharing stories, and organizing virtual celebrations. Social media campaigns highlight the principles of Kwanzaa, while online workshops teach traditional crafts and cooking techniques.
The celebration has become a time to spotlight Black creators, artists, and entrepreneurs. Artists are breathing new life into the holiday, creating music, visual art, and performances that celebrate African heritage and inspire future generations. It’s common to see marketplaces and pop-ups during Kwanzaa showcasing handmade crafts, books, and clothing from Black-owned businesses. Musicians are not left out as they are blending Afrobeat, jazz, and hip-hop to honor the holiday’s themes.
Through these adaptations, Kwanzaa continues to evolve, staying true to its roots while embracing the changing cultural landscape as it resonates with younger audiences.
Kwanzaa is more than just a holiday, it is all about being intentional, and for the African diaspora, it is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, honor their ancestors, and strengthen their bonds with family and community.
So, this December, embrace the colors, the culture, and the community of Kwanzaa as you reflect on everything you have while giving thanks to your ancestors who have come before you.
