Kwanzaa

When is Kwanzaa? Runs December 26 Through January 1

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday celebrating history, culture, family, and community. The name derives from the Swahili phrase “Matunda ya Kwanzaa”, which translates into English as “first fruits”.

The roots of this holiday go back to West and Southeast Africa. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, it was a celebration of the harvest festival.

Focusing on values, culture, and history, Kwanzaa encourages people to learn more about their roots and to focus on their values.

The Symbols of Kwanzaa

There are seven symbols or values:

Mazao	The Crops	Harvest celebrations and rewards of labor
Mkeka	The Mat	Symbolic of African American History
Kinara	The Candle Holder	Represents African American roots
Muhindi	The Corn	A symbol of children
Mishumaa Saba	The seven Candles	Represents the seven principles and the seven days of the holiday
Kikombe cha Umoja	The Unity Cup	Symbolizing unity
Zawai	The Gifts	Love of parents for children and children for parents
Additional symbols:
Bendera	The Flag	Symbolizes the hope for the future
Nguzo Saba Poster	Symbolizes the hope for the future	Poster of the Seven principles

Kwanzaa Day Quote

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” – – Martin Luther King Jr.

History and Origin of Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa was started in California in 1966. It was created by scholar-activist Dr. Maulana Karenga after the Watts riots in Los Angeles. Matunda ya Kwanzaa is now celebrated all over the world, but primarily in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean.

Holiday Insights, where every day in December is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.

Did You Know? In addition to Kwanzaa, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. December holidays are no exception. Consequently., at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.