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Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa Candles

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:

MazaoThe CropsHarvest celebrations and rewards of labor
MkekaThe MatSymbolic of African American History
KinaraThe Candle HolderRepresents African American roots
MuhindiThe CornA symbol of children
Mishumaa SabaThe seven CandlesRepresents the seven principles and the seven days of the holiday
Kikombe cha UmojaThe Unity CupSymbolizing unity
ZawaiThe GiftsLove of parents for children and children for parents
Additional symbols:  
BenderaThe FlagSymbolizes the hope for the future
Nguzo Saba PosterSymbolizes the hope for the futurePoster of the Seven principles
Fredrick Douglass

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.

This Day in History

In addition to the Ides of March, here are a couple of other things that happened on March 15:

In Buffalo, NY, paper made from wood pulp is first displayed. (1854)

James Mason invents the coffee percolator. (1865)

Chinese Communist Leader Mao Zedong was born on this day in 1893.

See more historical events.



Related Holidays

People who like Matunda Ya Kwanzaa will also like:

Juneteenth

More December 26 Holidays

In addition to Kwanzaa, here is another December 26 holiday you will enjoy:

National Candy Cane Day

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