A brief history of the holiday event Kwanzaa, including answers on why does the name have an extra 'A' at the end? What are its seven principles?
Kwanzaa is arguably one of the most unique holidays on the calendar.
Rooted in African traditions, Kwanzaa is a time of reflection and celebration for those who observe the annual holiday. Food, music and dance help illuminate the weeklong observance.
The relatively recent holiday was celebrated by about 3% of respondents in a December 2019 poll conducted of U.S. households by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The many colorful elements of Kwanzaa bring families and communities together between two other winter holidays.
Here are some of the most important facts to know about Kwanzaa, how it is celebrated and how it first took root.
When is Kwanzaa?
The holiday of Kwanzaa is celebrated annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
What is Kwanzaa?
Unaffiliated with any particular faith, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday and not a religious one.
The word for the holiday is derived from the Swahili phrase, "mantunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits" and references ancient and modern African celebrations.
What does each night of Kwanzaa represent?
Each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa represents a different principle:
* Umoja or unity
* Kujichagulia or self-determination
* Ujima or responsibility
* Ujamaa or cooperation
* Nia or purpose
* Kuumba for creativity
* Imani for faith
What is the candleholder for Kwanzaa called?
Central to the Kwanzaa ceremony is the lighting of seven candles, one for each night that the holiday is observed.
The candles are arranged on a special holder called the kinara. The central black candle represents unity among people of African descent, while the surrounding green candles symbolize the future and the red candles represent struggle.
What foods are eaten during Kwanzaa?
Peanut soup, shrimp gumbo, fried bananas and sweet potato pie are among the foods enjoyed during Kwanzaa.
How is Kwanzaa celebrated?
Decorating is an integral part of Kwanzaa festivities for many celebrants.
A mkeka, a traditional woven mat symbolizing sharing and faith, is used to dress the table for Kwanzaa ceremonies. Alongside it sits the kikombe cha umoja, or unity cup, which honors ancestors as water or juice is poured into it.
On the penultimate day of Kwanzaa, celebrants gather for a large feast called Karamu, donning African-style attire and enjoying singing and dancing.
The final day of Kwanzaa, Jan. 1, is a time of intention for the future.
What do you say to people during Kwanzaa?
Swahili is the language of choice for Kwanzaa celebrations, as it is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa.
A celebratory greeting, "Habari gani?" means "What is the news?" and instills Kwanzaa's values as the respondent will signal that day's principle.
"Happy Kwanzaa" is "Heri za Kwanzaa" in Swahili.
What is the history of Kwanzaa?
Created in 1966 by a Black activist and scholar, Kwanzaa is an American-borne holiday inspired by African cultural practices.
The holiday was officially recognized in 1993 by U.S. President Bill Clinton in a presidential message.
