Born out of a decade of political and social change, Kwanzaa is a celebration of African family, community, and culture. Maulana Karenga, a black-studies professor at California State University at Long Beach, created this African American holiday in 1966 as a nonreligious celebration. Kwanzaa takes place each year from December 26 to January 1 and today is celebrated worldwide by millions of people.

History of the holiday

The 1960s were a time of great change for African Americans. Civil rights issues, including the right to vote, were in the spotlight. It was during this era that Karenga began the tradition of Kwanzaa, which is based on African harvest celebrations. Its name comes from the African language Swahili and means “first fruits.” The week Kwanzaa takes place is a period in some African cultures called “the time when the edges of the year meet” and is traditionally spent in celebration, focus, and assessment.

Symbols

The symbols of the festival—crops, a mat, a candleholder, seven candles, ears of corn, gifts, and a unity cup—come from different African cultures. The celebrants use the unity cup to pour drinks for their ancestors, and they drink from the cup to show unity in the family and community.

Tradition

Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each night, one or more of seven candles arranged in a candleholder is lit, and one of the seven principles is discussed. During Kwanzaa, gifts such as books or heritage symbols relating to the culture of African Americans are exchanged. The holiday is also celebrated with a community feast called karamu on December 31.