Kwanzaa Information, Websites, Free Printable Activities, Games, Lessons & Crafts

Habari Gani? This is the Swahili greeting given at Kwanzaa, the least known but fastest growing of the winter holidays. When you greet someone with Habari Gani? you are saying literally, 'what's the news?' Kwanzaa, meaning 'first fruits of the harvest' celebrates family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 - January 1, seven days. In the seven days there are seven principles to aim for; I have listed their Swahili name as well as a description westerners can understand.

unity (umoja),
self-determination, knowing oneself (kujichagulia),
collective work and responsibility; sharing the load (ujima)
cooperative economics, barter, trade for the common good (ujamaa),
sense of purpose (nia),
creativity (kuumba),
trust, faith (imani)

The symbols of Kwanzaa include:

seven candles (3 red, 3 green, 1 black), standing for Kwanzaa's seven principles (look similar to a menorah)mishumaa

a candle holder, representing the stalk of corn that shows that we grow as a family from the earth (the kinara)

a straw place mat, recalling tradition and history (mkeka)

a variety of fruit, symbolizing the harvest (mazao)

vibunzi -- an ear of corn for each child, celebrating the child's potential (what they can become) (vibunzi)

a cup of unity, commemorating the ancestors (kikombe cha umoja)

simple, significant gifts, to help develop creativity, achievement, and success - the principles of Kwanzaa (zawadi)

Being Catholic, I can see many connections between the Principles of Kwanzaa and our season of Advent in which we strive for fasting, prayer and alms-giving or service/ sacrifice. As in Advent, we ultimately strive to incorporate these principles throughout the entire year. Here are some links to explore for a deeper understanding of the celebration of Kwanzaa. You'll find free printable material, activities, crafts, games, puzzles, word games and more.

History.com describes the Kwanzaa celebrations this way: