Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Culture and Community
- The CLV Phoenix
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Eeva Tudor
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that takes place every year from December 26th to January 1st. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to honour African heritage and bring people together through culture, tradition, and community. It began in the United States, but gained global popularity, and now people all over the world celebrate it.
At the heart of Kwanzaa are the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles. Each day of the week focuses on one principle. The first is Umoja, meaning unity, reminding everyone to stick together. Then Kujichagulia, self-determination, which is all about defining who you are and what you stand for. Ujima encourages working together to solve problems, while Ujamaa focuses on supporting local businesses and lifting up the community. Nia, meaning purpose, asks people to think about their goals and how they can help their community thrive. Kuumba celebrates creativity, and the final principle, Imani, stands for faith - believing in yourself, your people, and your future.
A key symbol of Kwanzaa is the kinara, which holds seven candles: one black, three red, and three green. These colours come from the Pan-African flag and represent people, struggle, and hope. Families light one candle each evening and often discuss that day’s principle.
During Kwanzaa, homes may be decorated with African patterns, crafts, and a display called the mkeka, a woven mat symbolising the foundation of community. Fruits and vegetables are placed on the mkeka to represent the harvest and the rewards of working together.
Kwanzaa ends with a feast called Karamu, full of music, dancing, storytelling, and food from across the African diaspora. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, honour ancestors, and look forward to the new year with hope. The celebration is joyful and reflective. It encourages people to look back at where they came from and begin the new year with intention.
Kwanzaa is about celebrating culture, strengthening community, and reflecting on what truly matters. It’s a reminder that light, unity, and purpose can carry people through any time in their life while also serving as a symbol of rich African culture among people belonging to the African diaspora across the globe.
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