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Learn about the history, symbols, and activities of Kwanzaa, a celebration of African and African American culture. Each day of Kwanzaa, light a candle for one of the seven principles: Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, and Imani.
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- 7 principles
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The weeklong holiday, which is celebrated every year from December 26 to January 1, is rooted in values that anyone can adopt and practice year round.
Folami Prescott-Adams (left) and her family share a meal during Kwanzaa at their home in Atlanta, Dec. 6, 2020. For many Black Americans, the holdiay is a time for bonding, joy and repose.
Kwanzaa has been around for decades. It’s a uniquely African American observance not directly tied to any faith or religion, any specific geography, or any other holiday.
Kwanzaa, which starts on December 26, stands alone.
It has most often been compared to Christmas and Hannukah but Kwanzaa is not an alternative to either holiday, even though it too includes the lighting of candles, cultural history, and education.
Kyle Woodland, 28, has known Kwanzaa all his life. His parents, Laura Boyce and Kelly Woodland, started celebrating in their first home in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, in the 1990s after his birth.
1. Umoja, or Unity, encourages us to work to achieve agreement, to focus on our common goals and to come together as families, communities, a nation, and as a race. Like any ethnicity or race, there are a multitude of ideas and philosophies. Umoja encourages us to find ways to come together. We can do that by engaging one-on-one with loved ones, family, friends, neighbors and, on a larger scale, by participating in our democracy to achieve broader goals pooling our voices to influence and support those who want our support.
2. Kujichagulia, or Self-Determination, encourages us to be intentional about who we are and who we want to be. It’s easy to allow others to define us. It’s better when we define ourselves. That’s not something that can be done only on the second day of Kwanzaa, or during the week of Kwanzaa. That’s something we should make a part of our lives daily, especially helping our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews appreciate what they contribute to our lives as we help them decide who they are.
3. Ujima, or Collective Work and Responsibility, is definitely something that is only achieved by being intentional. It’s one thing to work collectively and take collective responsibility for a day of celebration or a meal, but what does that look like in other months? It can be an organized family calendar with individual responsibilities. It can be individual and family commitments to church, family, and neighborhood activities to develop and maintain relationships upon which we can build.
4. Ujamaa, or Cooperative Economics, is a wonderful example of what we can do when we’re intentional. We all spend. We all choose what we buy. We all choose where to shop. This central principle asks that we think more carefully about where we spend our money. It’s easy to shop at mega-brand stores. It can be quite fulfilling to shop with small business owners and vendors who make a living or a side income with the help of customers who support them. According to some reports, a dollar stays in African American communities for six hours or less. We extend that—by hours, days, or weeks—when we deliberately spend with Black businesses.
5. Nia, or Purpose, challenges us to aim to build up ourselves and each of us with focus. We improve our cultural identity, build stronger communities, and create powerful legacies when we make purpose a part of what we do.
6. Kuumba, or Creativity, is such a powerful motivator—when we are intentional. Some of us can’t help it. Artists, dancers, musicians live their lives with creativity as the foundation. Whether working, volunteering, or lounging around, most are thinking creative thoughts, humming, or tapping out a song or choreographing a set of moves. Imagine what our lives would be like and feel like with more arts.
Learn about the origins, values and traditions of Kwanzaa, a uniquely African American holiday that honors African heritage and culture. Discover the seven principles of Kwanzaa and how they can guide your daily life and community.
Learn about the history, principles and cultural expressions of Kwanzaa, an African American and Pan-African holiday. Find activities, videos, recipes and more to celebrate Kwanzaa with your family and community.
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- Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables) Symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work.
- Mkeka: Place Mat. The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka.
- Vibunzi: Ear of Corn. The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life.
- Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles. Candles are ceremonial objects with two primary purposes: to re-create symbolically the sun’s power and to provide light.
Dec 26, 2021 · Even though Kwanzaa isn’t as widely celebrated as it used to be, its seven principles still hold true for some. Here’s a look at what those principles are, and what they mean. Umoja means...
Jan 19, 2024 · The Nguzo Saba (the Seven Principles) are –. Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity) Imani (Faith)
Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, as follows: Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race. Kujichagulia ( Self-determination ): To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.
