What is Kwanzaa ?
Kwanzaa is a 7 – Day cultural holiday that is celebrated by people of African descent in the United States and around the world. It is observed from December 26 to January 1, and it is a time for people to come together and reaffirm their connections to African culture and traditions.
Why is it Celebrated ?
The word “Kwanzaa” comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. The holiday is based on traditional African harvest festivals, which were celebrations of the first fruits of the season. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University Long Beach, as a way to honor African heritage and cultural values.
Seven principles of Kwanzaa
During Kwanzaa, people often engage in activities that celebrate African culture and traditions, such as lighting candles, singing and dancing, and sharing meals. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which are:
- unity
- self-determination
- collective work and responsibility
- cooperative economics
- purpose
- creativity
- faith
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| What is Kwanzaa , When does it start and why is it Celebrated ? |
These principles are meant to guide and inspire people to live in accordance with the values of African culture.
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, and it is open to people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the positive aspects of African culture, and to reflect on the ways in which they can make a positive impact in their communities.
