Kwanzaa: A December Holiday that Isn't Another Christmas

Millions of African American's and others of African descent around the world celebrate the holiday of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a celebration of "family, community and culture." This holiday began in 1966 and provides those of the African culture to celebrate their heritage and culture regardless of religion or geographic location. It is a celebration of goodness and appreciation of what we have and how we achieved it, through our hard work and that of our family. This holiday is celebrated from December 26 - January 1.

To celebrate Kwanzaa each day of the holiday is dedicated to the seven principals that support the celebration of family, community and culture. These seven principals are:

Unity: This day stresses the important of family and the community.

Self-Determination. This day emphasizes the need for priorities in our interest and make decisions that we hope are best for our family and community.

Collective Work and Responsibility. This day emphasizes that we have obligations to the past, present and future and we have a role to play in the community, society and the world.

Cooperative Economic. This day emphasizes the importance of collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.

Purpose. This day stresses that we should set personal goals that benefit the community.

Creativity. This day stresses that our creativeness should be used in productive ways, and to build and maintain a strong community.

Faith. This day stresses that faith helps us in honoring tradition and creates the best in ourselves and helps us to want a better live for everyone. As in so many other holidays the lighting of a candle has special meaning. Seven candles are held in candle holder called a kinara. The kinara is placed on a straw mat and ears of corn are placed on the mat to symbolize each child in the family (or you can also do classroom) A fruit basket and unity cup are also on the straw mat. On each of the seven days a candle is lit. The candles and all decorations for Kwanzaa are traditional African colors of red, black and green.